Resources in this section contain human interest pieces, commentaries, etc.
COVID-19: The road to recovery
Adrian Diaz, MD; Armin Rahmanian, MHA; Timothy M. Pawlik, MD, MPH, PhD, FACS
Keywords: elective surgery, recovery
This article encourages surgeons to weigh the tradeoffs between providing surgical care to their patients with the risk of spreading the virus. The decision regarding when and how to resume non-essential surgery is one that should be made at the state level with input from local medical center leadership. The ultimate decision to undergo surgery should be made by each patient, only after having a thorough and honest conversation about risks including those associated with COVID-19 and benefits related to the non-essential procedure being considered.
Not Dying Alone – Modern compassionate care in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Glenn K. Wakam, MD; John R. Montgomery, MD; Ben E. Biesterveld, MD; Craig S. Brown, MD
Keywords: commentary, on death and dying, isolated patients, telecommunication
The authors share the experience of surgical residents caring for a patient dying in isolation and the complexities inherent in caring for dying patients and managing family members affected by a disease that requires social distancing.
The Importance of Resilience, Purpose, and Optimism in the COVID-19 Era
Keywords: resilience, skill acquisition, best practices
Surgeons, health care professionals, and others experience negative symptoms of well-being during the pandemic and are challenged to shift their mindset to lead in many different ways during COVID-19. Resilience, purpose, and optimism become important skills and attributes to focus on and continue to develop as necessary tools to move forward. This resource provides several articles and a webinar related to well-being.
Assistance and Well-Being and the ACS Surgeon Well-Being Index
Keywords: well-being, leadership strategies, self-care, resilience
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) commits itself to the health and well-being of surgeons and the health care community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to create space to care for oneself amidst the increased demands of caring for patients, providing additional support to hospital systems and staff, managing workload, and navigating the impact COVID-19 has on individuals, families, communities, hospitals, and our world. Through this link, you will find curated tools and resources focused on well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Topics include well-being of the health care workforce, leadership, suicide prevention, and mindfulness.
To Face Coronavirus Disease 2019, Surgeons Must Embrace Palliative Care
Zara Cooper, MD, MSc; Rachelle E. Bernacki, MD, MS
Keywords: palliative care, support for patients and families
This Viewpoint describes the relevance of a palliative care approach to surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Creating Real Change at Academic Medical Centers - How Social Movements Can Be Timely Catalysts
Michelle Morse, MD, MPH; Joseph Loscalzo, MD, PhD
Keywords: institutionalized/structural racism; having difficult conversations; social justice and advocacy
This resource encourages physicians to engage with social movements in order to contribute meaningfully to improving health by addressing its social and structural determinants.
The Association of Program Directors in Surgery Diversity & Inclusion Toolkit
Keywords: institutionalized/structural racism; diversity in the workforce; healthcare disparities
This resource offers background and suggestions for institutional change regarding topics such as healthcare disparities; ACGME Diversity and Inclusion requirements; and supporting, retaining, and promoting residents from diverse backgrounds.
Implementation Guide for Rapid Integration of an Outpatient Telemedicine Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Whitney R. Smith, MD; Anthony J. Atala, MD, FACS; Ryan P. Terlecki, MD, FACS; Erin E. Kelly, MSN, ANP-BC; Catherine A. Matthews, MD, FACS, FACOG
Keywords: telemedicine; toolkit; considerations before launch
This resource provides suggestions for the effective and efficient integration of a telemedicine program by outlining extensive staff and patient education considerations, choosing and implementing accessory platforms to facilitate video and audio communication, and encouraging the adoption of new billing codes.
Telehealth Utilization in Response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in Orthopaedic Surgery
Robert L. Parisien, MD; Max Shin, BA; Michael Constant, BA; Bryan M. Saltzman, MD; Xinning Li, MD; William N. Levine, MD; David P. Trofa, MD
Keywords: telemedicine; orthopaedic surgery; surgical subspecialties
This resource demonstrates the measures academic orthopaedic institutions are taking to meet the needs of patients by identifying a notable increase in new telehealth offerings throughout the United States with a positive correlation with COVID-19 disease burden.
Virtual Ophthalmology: Telemedicine in a COVID-19 Era
Sophia Mirza Saleem; Louis R. Pasquale; Paul A. Sidoti; and James C. Tsai
Keywords: telemedicine; ophthalmic surgery; surgical subspecialties
This resource argues that patient and provider interest in telemedicine, the relaxation of regulatory restrictions, increased remote care reimbursement, and ongoing social distancing practices compel many ophthalmologists to consider virtualizing services.