COVID-19 and continuing professional development: an opportunity for inclusion

It is said that “necessity the mother of invention,” and for all its disruption, COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted innovation, problem-solving creativeness in spheres our professional personal lives. Innovation continuing development (CPD) ophthalmology was no exception; indeed, emergence a global novel virus only increased urgency timely relevant CPD. The travel restrictions strict health safety guidelines set March 2020 resulted tremendous shift way we normally accessed Traditionally, many us, COS Annual Meeting not to fulfill maintenance certification requirements, but also engage with community. When hit mere months before Meeting, rather than scrapping event entirely, rapidly switched digital platform. This mean feat, given had limited experience on front. transition conferencing enthusiastically embraced by community, registration matching or exceeding typical numbers in-person attendees. A direct comparison 2019 reflect how community adapted this new format 2020: total registrants: 947 (vs. 925 2019); number who logged in: 751 629 checked 2019). evaluation response rate (i.e., percentage people actually completed an evaluation) almost doubled (49% vs. 27% There are always unintended consequences major paradigm shifts—some positive some negative. As Kisilevsky colleagues describe their article issue,1Kisilevsky E. Margolin Kohly R.P. Access, consequence virtual medical education during COVID-19: department's at University Toronto.Can J Ophthalmol. 2021; 56: e18-e19Abstract Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar one they observed department improved access (CME). Interesting, authors comment practical access, such as ability participate through removal financial barriers, more subtle form opens door those historically may have been disadvantaged traditional setting. Specifically, point fact conference setting “presentations rigidly timed question period exchange ideas oftentimes occurs conversations, rendering these insightful exchanges available select few. In contrast, webinar features concurrent chat allows participants pose questions openly anonymously speaker among participants, opening attendees.” They out groups underrepresented CME include women, parents young children, individuals funding support, living remote locations where logistics, costs coverage create significant barriers attendance. Moreover, intimidation factor walking mic huge plenary room questioning challenging renowned expert undoubtedly discourages from venturing forward. These same individuals, however, be comfortable feature webcast. move formats thus balanced attendance conferences making them accessible wider diverse audience, means live far areas hubs. Virtual could offer possibility broader audience participation question-and-answer sessions, example, permitting vote real time, elevating quality scientific discourse, greater evaluating conference. Plans 2021 meeting being formulated situation continues develop, keeping mindset towards interactions will essential. Has spelled death conference? Certainly not. However smoothly online run, hard-to-capture, missing ingredient vibe real-life interactions. anticipation release results landmark trial you try find seat packed room. pleasure reconnecting your mentors fellow residents colleagues. fun participating social friends around country catching up life outside ophthalmology. Online platforms simply cannot replicate experiences. lack physical deprives speakers “read room” tailor talk listeners’ reactions directly. Humans beings thrive interactions, so meetings bound start again when it safe hold them. However, does should discount success wide accessibility conferencing. With still unabated, hard envision exclusive return conferences, hundreds travelling spend days together closed auditoria, strolling poster sessions sharing food drink while discussing meantime, state, “has created unique opportunity allowing participation, enhanced traditionally marginalized groups…” proven viable framework change consumed. We let pass.” Let's embrace look forward getting virtually annual meeting!“The world process thinking. changed without changing thinking.”- Albert Einstein