Telemedicine’s role in allergy/immunology training explored amidst pandemic shifts

Telemedicine is an increasingly integral component of Allergy/Immunology training, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study.

While its adoption has brought notable benefits, such as enhanced flexibility and improved access to care, challenges remain, including the absence of a standardized curriculum tailored to this specialty.

The review underscores that a significant proportion of Allergists/Immunologists have embraced telemedicine as a fundamental component of their clinical practice. Moreover, leaders in graduate medical education advocate for the inclusion of telemedicine training within fellowship programs, recognizing its pivotal role in adapting to the evolving healthcare landscape.

During the pandemic, fellows-in-training noted that the integration of telemedicine into their Allergy/Immunology training helped alleviate concerns regarding the adequacy of clinical experience. However, despite its widespread use, the absence of a standardized telemedicine curriculum tailored specifically to Allergy/Immunology remains a notable gap. While existing curricula from internal medicine and primary care residencies can offer a foundation, the review emphasizes the necessity of developing specialized training modules for this specialty.

Reference
Robbins E, Johal K, Keswani A. The Use and Teaching of Telemedicine in Allergy/Immunology Training Programs. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2023;23(8):463-470. doi: 10.1007/s11882-023-01096-9. Epub 2023 Jul 7. PMID: 37418070.