Virtually Speaking: The Impact of a Nationwide Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Forum.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To address significant disruptions in didactic education precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of rheumatology program directors collaborated with the American College of Rheumatology to create a virtual fellows-in-training (V-FIT) program. METHODS: A Working Group was composed to develop the virtual didactic program comprising live virtual sessions of core curricular rheumatology topics that were recorded to permit asynchronous learning. Nationally-recognized educators were invited to lead sessions to fill the void in didactic education occurring on a broad scale across United States (US) rheumatology fellowship training programs. Demographic information, live and asynchronous participation data, and feedback surveys were collected from participants in the program. RESULTS: There were three components to V-FIT the Virtual Rheumatology Learning (ViRL) series, Virtual Rheumatology Practicum (ViP), and Virtual Rheumatology Teaching Lessons (ViTLs). The ViRL program had global impact with more than 2000 learners from over 55 countries. ViP provided a standardized curriculum of rheumatology topics for incoming first-year fellows. ViTLs addressed advanced and interdisciplinary rheumatic disease topics for learners at all stages. CONCLUSION: With collaboration, adaptation, and innovation, the V-FIT program not only maintained but enhanced education for rheumatology trainees, was enriched by national and international participation, and provided standardized, broadly accessible content with interdisciplinary learning.