Rapid Reorganization Of An Academic Ob-Gyn Workforce During The Covid-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed limited guidance on the process of rapid reorganization in response to major disruptions. We describe the process and specific steps our academic Ob-Gyn department implemented for our clinical and educational missions during our strategic pandemic response.STUDY DESIGN: We engaged in a process to develop a rapid, strategic plan that (1) prioritized excellent patient care, (2) assured clinician well-being, and ( 3) protected and preserved the educational mission for our trainees.RESULTS: A rapid, yet thoughtful, assessment of the academic missions provided a transparent strategy that met those 3 guiding principles. The 3-level plan included 23 residents, 41 fellows and faculty, and 14 certified nurse midwives available to provide patient care services. Educational changes included altering resident rotations and assignments to ensure resident wellbeing and education while tracking to facilitate mile-stone assessments.CONCLUSION: Academic Ob-Gyn Departments can capitalize on the breadth of clinicians and create an interdepartmental surge plan accounting for the care of medical, oncologic, and obstetrical patients during the current pandemic. The process and final plan ensured that the needs of our patients and learners were addressed. This may facilitate strategic planning for other organizations facing similar disruptions that catalyze workforce reorganization.