Abstract
First identified in Wuhan, China, on December 31 2019, coronavirus spread like bush fire. The WHO declared
it as a Global Pandemic on March 11 2021. COVID-19 was termed novel based on newly identified pathogens, thus leading to a state of uncertainty regarding treatment and prevention1
. This virus can present with
an array of symptoms; dry cough, breathlessness, chest pain, myalgia, and diarrhea2
.Undergraduate medical education has shifted to virtual learning systems to halt the transmission of the virus. This letter elaborates
on the challenges faced and the impact of COVID-19 on the life of undergraduate medical students.
From the students to the working healthcare professionals, the coronavirus pandemic has affected the medical community the hardest; Clinical rotations were canceled with little or no warning while pre-clinical
students moved to online classes3
. The stress and uncertainty during this time are taking their toll on our
psychological wellbeing4
. Doctors are striving to deliver the same level of education while also battling the
pandemic; exploring different ways of imparting knowledge as well as practical skills. While continuing with
their education, medical students are helping combat this virus through volunteering their time at hospitals
and with research.
Amidst this pandemic, the world is struggling to adapt to this new normal. Drastic changes have been
brought to the medical education system as students now have online classes and clinical training. Although
it is difficult to deliver information in this manner, online education has brought with it its advantages.
Students save up on time, money, and energy, which can be put towards assignments and research
projects. Online forums are an excellent way to prompt discussion amongst students as they pour in their
opinions. Recorded lectures can be reviewed later for reinforcement. However, limited patient interaction
has its challenges. Regardless, this adaptation over traditional university learning is safe and effective.
Muhammad Fazal Hussain Qureshi, Muzna Shah, Mahira Lakhani. (2021) Effect of COVID-19 on Undergraduate Medical Education: A Letter from Pakistan, The Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry, Volume 10, Issue-1.
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