Teleneurology in academics

Introduction to virtual care within graduate medical education

Virtual platforms as a means for graduate medical education have existed for many years prior to the forced use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many programs allowed for live two-way audio-visual software for academic conferences, particularly in those programs were trainees rotate in multiple clinical settings. In fact, a number of primary care and specialty affiliate organizations at a national and international level provided some guidance on use of virtual means for conducting clinical care, albeit brief and sparsely in use. Some specialties that heavily rely on such platforms for clinical care, teaching, and research, such as vascular neurology, dermatology, and pathology were well prepared for a rapid transition to fully virtual environments in the face of the recent pandemic. Although virtual care has its limitations, its utility has been highlighted during one of the most economically burdensome pandemics to allow for continued education at all levels, and particularly in the training of residents, fellows, and medical students.