Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we realized how flexible and adaptable we must be clinically and with medical education. The power of virtual platforms for education was harnessed and has since become a mainstay in medical education. In this presentation, we will present our experience on how we developed a multi-institutional collaborative educational and mentoring program for our breast imaging fellows during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learning Objectives: • Discuss how the pandemic changed breast imaging fellowship education • Identify key steps in creating an educational curriculum for breast imaging fellows • Describe the implementation process of a multi-institutional collaborative educational series, what worked and what did not • Discuss the benefits to the trainees and faculty in such programs • Describe goals and benefits of a structured mentorship program • Identify key steps in implementing a structured multi -institutional mentorship program
Abstract Content/Results: Developing an entire didactic curriculum for breast imaging fellows can be a daunting task particularly when most breast practices are short staffed in the midst of rising clinical volumes, leaving little time for didactic education. Through a collaborative effort of multiple breast imaging fellowship directors, we created the Midwest Breast Imaging Fellowship Consortium to provide a dedicated virtual education and mentorship platform for breast imaging fellows. Our presentation will briefly review the impact COVID-19 has had on radiology medical education based on current literature. We will share our approach to developing a collaborative weekly multi-disciplinary didactic lecture series, involving all participating institutions, with the foundation based on the Society of Breast Imaging recommended fellowship curriculum. We will describe the benefits for both trainees and faculty including creating camaraderie, networking and engagement among breast imaging fellows. Faculty have the opportunity for professional development by selecting didactic topics they are strongest in, creating a pathway for them to be recognized as regional experts. We will also present how we developed a structured cross institutional mentorship program. The consortium’s structured program gives a guideline for the mentor and mentee so they both can get the most out of the relationship.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed us to new ways of thinking about medical education. The creation of the Midwest Breast Imaging Fellowship Consortium demonstrates the strength and benefits of multi-institutional collaboration for education and mentorship. By sharing our experiences, we hope to inspire and create new pathways for breast imaging medical education and mentorship.
