Perspective of a Teaching Fellow: Innovation in Medical Education: The Changing Face of Clinical Placements During COVID-19.

The Mid Essex teaching team have adapted and innovated to ensure delivery of the curriculum to over 150 students from two medical schools during COVID-19. A fully immersive education experience was created through protected teaching time, the introduction of a simulation package (virtual reality simulation, ward simulation and bleep simulation), the proactive recruitment of fourteen dedicated teaching fellows, and the procurement of technology-based platforms. The blended learning approach we designed supplemented student-patient interaction on the ward with virtual and face-to-face teaching sessions where appropriate. Preliminary data from student feedback suggests that the pandemic induced adaptations, technological innovations and simulation-based teaching have been successful. Students have rapidly gained confidence, knowledge and skills that they need to progress. It may be a consideration for teaching hospitals elsewhere to consider such methods to ensure students are prepared for life as a doctor both in the midst of and after the pandemic.