ABSTRACT
Objective: To explore the Neurology residency applicant experience during the 2020-2021 cycle. Background: Due to the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, the 2020-2021 residency interviews were entirely virtual. We obtained post-recruitment input from applicants about their experience across the following domains: 1. Overall experience with virtual interviewing and preference for future cycles. 2. Technical issues and preferred platform. 3. Use of different online sources of program information. Design/Methods: After the NRMP match, a link to an anonymous online survey (IRB approved) through Google Forms was emailed to the 100 applicants who interviewed at our program in 2020-2021. Results: 45 out of 100 applicants completed the survey. 80% felt that interviewing virtually did not affect their experience. 64% interviewed at more programs than they initially anticipated. If given the choice, 55% want a combination of in-person and virtual in the future, 15.9% want to resume fully in-person interviews, and 30% want to continue entirely virtual interviews. 97% preferred Zoom™ as the interview platform. 27% were interrupted 1-2 times during their interviews due to connectivity issues. In terms of online outreach, applicants found the following to be either very or somewhat helpful;website (97.8%), YouTube videos (62.2%), Twitter (46.7%), and GME track information (48.9%). Facebook and Reddit were less helpful (17.8% and 26.7% respectively). Conclusions: Based on our results, applicants were able to transition to the virtual process well. They favor a hybrid of in person and virtual interviews in the future, most preferring Zoom ™ as the interview platform. An updated program website was the top choice for their source of program information. Given the continuation of virtual recruitment in 2021-22, programs should focus on how to improve their online resources.
ABSTRACT
Background and Objective: The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 as global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Hippocrates the father of medicine was supposedly the first ancient Unani physician to document the infectious diseases with their conspicuous clinical features which are today named as malaria, tuberculosis, influenza, mumps and diphtheria etc. In Unani medicine, the epidemic diseases are referred to as Amrād-i-Wabāi. The present review has been embarked on to explore the Unani perspective into the scientific insight on epidemic diseases with the focus to unearth tangible information and solution to control the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A total of 89 citations comprising classical Unani texts and published papers in various reputed indexed Journals from 2005 to 2020 were reviewed about prevention and management of epidemic/ pandemic diseases;antiviral, antipyretic, antitussive, immunomodulators activities of Unani drugs etc. Results: Various measures such as isolation, social distancing;spray and fumigation treatment with Unani drugs for sanitization of the environment;modified diets such as barley water, murabba-i-turanj, sikanjbeen, vinegar etc to augment the immune system of the body;and pharmacotherapy such as Tiryaq-i-Afayee, QursKafoor, Sharbat-i-Khaksi, Khameera Marwareed, Cydonia oblonga, Zizyphus jujube etc have been mentioned by Unani physicians for prevention and management of epidemic diseases and COVID like conditions. Discussion: Certain scientific studies have reported that the individual ingredients of Tiryaq-i-Afayee(a pharmacopoeial preparation) such as Aloe vera and Crocus sativus possess significant antiviral effect, and the whole preparation exhibited an immunomodulatory effect. Sharbat-i-Khaksi and Khameera Marwareed (pharmacopoeial preparations) revealed potent antipyretic and immune system potentiating effects, respectively. Cydonia oblonga and Zizyphusjujuba possesses antiviral, antiinfluenza, antitussive, antipyretic and immunomodulator activities. Conclusion: The aforesaid Unani classical and contemporary material surveyed has yielded substantial key information and practical solutions in the prevention and control of epidemic diseases and COVID like conditions. © IJCRR.