COVID-19 Pandemic Effect in Medical Education: “Izmir University of Economics Experience"

Background: study aims to describe the methods/practices adapted in COVID-19 pandemic in IUEFoM (Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Medicine) medical education in the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year and to discuss the results. Methods: In this study, medical education in IUEFoM was presented; information on the changes made in the education program due to the pandemic, how education was conducted and its evaluation were shared. Results: IUEFoM has been using technology widely in education before the pandemic, and thus has been able to start distance education almost without interruption. Student and instructor feedback indicate that distance education is effective. This is mainly because IUEFoM has students enrolled only in the first three years. Procedural and clinical skill practicals for which face-to-face training is mandatory have been postponed. Conclusions: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, strategies should be developed on how to conduct clinical training in medical education. The whole process experienced is thought to cause changes in medical education in the long run.