Conduct of virtual neurology DM final examination during COVID-19 pandemic

• Main Authors: Roopa Rajan, Divya M Radhakrishnan, Achal K Srivastava, Venugopalan Y Vishnu, Anu Gupta, Ahamadulla Shariff, M V Padma Srivastava
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
• Subjects: covid 19; dm final examination; virtual neurology
• Online Access: http://www.annalsofian.org/article.asp?issn=0972-2327;year=2020;volume=23;issue=4;spage=429;epage=432;aulast=Rajan

Medical training programs are witnessing immense disruptions worldwide due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Keeping in mind the trainees' future prospects, it is important to provide continuity of teaching and timely certification assessments. Overcoming the obstacles to routine functioning presented by SARS-CoV-2 spread, we recently conducted the DM Neurology exit examination in a hybrid virtual format. We created a curated case repository with history and clinical examination findings followed by structured questions that could be built upon for case discussions. The external examiners assessed the candidates virtually through a video conferencing platform. The end results were well accepted by all key stake holders. The concerns, logistics and experience of conducting the DM Neurology exit exam in a virtual format are summarized here.