RESUMO
Background : Clinically-based Medical Education is the principal source of learning and this has been profoundly impacted by restrictions due to COVID-19. Methods : A cross-sectional observational study was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the different aspects of the Postgraduate curriculum among the residents of Internal Medicine and its Allied sub/super-specialties across India. An online semi-structured English language questionnaire was prepared using Google-form platform and the link was shared among the residents through various social media outlets. The questionnaire comprised of seven sections: demographic characteristics, burden of COVID duties, hospital service utilization, academic activity, procedural training, research activity and recommendations for improvement of academic activities. Appropriate statistical tests were carried out to analyze the data obtained. Results: A total of 1857 responses were taken into consideration. A significant reduction in both out-patient and In-patient Department (IPD) attendance was reported by 47% and 35.3% participants respectively. Most of the residents (69.8%) claimed that their magnitude of self-study was less than usual. Bulk of the respondents (75.4%) felt that their clinical training was being grossly hampered. Three-fourths of the participants were involved in online studies. Procedural training was severely affected as opined by 75.9% of respondents. Majority (55.6%) respondents reported their thesis work was severely affected during pandemic. Conclusion : The findings of this study highlight the grave implications of the current pandemic on various aspects of the Postgraduate Residency Curriculum. Learning methods applying modern emerging online digital technologies will improve our teaching paradigms