How We Do It: A Multicenter National Experience of Virtual Vascular Surgery Rotations

Objective To describe the development and implementation of virtual vascular surgery rotations among 6 integrated vascular surgery programs. Design A collaborative teleconference retrospectively discussing 6 independently developed virtual vascular surgery rotations to make a framework for future use. Setting University of California Davis initiated a joint teleconference among the various integrated vascular surgery programs. Participants Vascular surgery faculty and residents from 6 programs participated in the teleconferences and drafting of a framework for building a virtual vascular surgery rotation. Results Four specific domains were identified in discussing the framework to build a virtual vascular surgery rotation: planning, development, curriculum, and feedback. Each domain has specific aspects in making a virtual rotation that has applicability to other surgical rotations that seek to do the same. Conclusion Virtual vascular surgery rotations are feasible and important; these electives can be established and implemented successfully with appropriate planning and consideration. This work hopes to help programs navigate this new space in education by making it more transparent and highlighting potential pitfalls.