How COVID-19 Transformed the Profession for Physicians

The years of the COVID-19 pandemic have left a permanent mark on the delivery of health care, reshaping how MDs practice medicine, interact with patients, and manage their careers.  For those of us who worked in the ‘before time’, we witnessed the changes firsthand.  For newly minted staff physicians, your clerkship, residency and fellowship were affected, and you are entering a workplace that has undergone profound changes in response to that global health crisis. 

Here’s a look at some of the most significant ways COVID-19 transformed the field, and what the changes mean for you.

1. The Rise of Virtual Medicine

   Before the pandemic, telemedicine was a niche aspect of healthcare, used mostly in rural areas.  However, the pandemic accelerated its acceptance as a viable alternative.  Physicians who had only ever seen patients live and in person had to adapt to:

   1. Conducting remote assessments via phone or video calls

   2. Learning new telehealth platforms

   3. Navigate challenges like patient reluctance, technology barriers, and billing complexities

Like ‘working from home’, virtual medicine is here to stay post-pandemic.  As a new staff physician, developing strong virtual communication skills is essential to providing good patient care.

2. More Physician Burnout and Mental Health Awareness

   COVID-19 placed unprecedented strain on health care workers, leading to a sharp rise in burnout.  Long hours, overwhelming patient loads, and the emotional toll of losing patients pushed many physicians to the brink.  On the plus side, the crisis also:

   1. Sparked conversations about mental health

   2. Encouraged hospitals to implement wellness programs

   3. Led to advocacy for better work-life balance and systemic changes in healthcare

As a new MD, prioritizing self-care and recognizing signs of burnout early will be vital to a sustainable long-term career.

3. Changes in Patient Expectations and Behaviour

   Unlike generations past, modern patients have become more engaged and proactive in their health, ‘researching’ symptoms, treatments, and vaccines online.  Today’s physicians face:

   1. A rise in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation

   2. Increased patient demand for remote care and flexible scheduling

   3. More discussions about public health

While you may not agree with all of these concerns, adapting to these shifts requires different communication skills and a focus on patient-centred care. 

4. Workforce Shortages

   The pandemic depleted the ranks of healthcare workers due to burnout, stress, or career changes, without a decrease in the need for healthcare.  This resulted in:

   1. Increased workload for remaining physicians

   2. Greater reliance on allied health care professionals and interdisciplinary teams

   3. More opportunities for leadership roles

New staff MDs should be prepared to work in understaffed environments, but also see the opportunity to advance their professional career.

5. Public Health Awareness

   COVID-19 reinforced the importance of public health measures, epidemiology, and infection control.  Physicians now play a greater role in:

   1. Educating patients about disease prevention, including vaccines

   2. Responding to emerging infectious diseases

   3. Collaborating with public health agencies and policymakers

Staying informed about public health trends will be key to providing good care in this evolving landscape.

6. Adoption of New Medical Technology

   The urgency of the pandemic accelerated innovation in medical technology, leading to advancements such as:

   1. AI-driven predictive analytics for disease spread and severity

   2. Rapid vaccine development and rollout

   3. Enhanced infection control measures, like improved PPE

As technology continues to evolve as a response to crises, MDs must stay informed about innovations to improve efficiency in patient care.

The COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered the whole medical profession, presenting both challenges and opportunities for physicians.  With a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, adaptability, advocating for positive change, and prioritizing both professional and personal well-being will be key to thriving through your whole career.

Author: Dr. Krishna Sharma, Director of Physician Engagement, Specialty Medical Partners

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