It is with deep regret that the organisers have decided that due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the course for September 2020 cannot be held in its’ normal format. This would be the first time since 2006 that we have been in this unfortunate position. The course normally attracts up to 160 patients attending over 2 days and up to 80 consultant faculty to deliver the highest quality of teaching to 48 delegates. With social distancing and the need to reduce the group gatherings, it would be impossible to deliver this course in 2020 in its’ normal format.
However, due to the recent surge in remote working and collaboration, we have looked at the possibility of hosting a virtual course this year. The content of this virtual course would be dependent on the progress of the pandemic and whether or not we achieve the ability to unlock fully from the COVID crisis over the next 3 to 4 months. We feel that delivering such a course in this virtual format will be the first of its’ kind and will continue to provide essential guidance to those about to sit Part 2 of the FRCS Orth examination.
Our proposal would be as follows:
1)To deliver the lectures given during the course by experienced faculty. Some or all lectures would be pre-recorded but there would be the ability to ask questions to the faculty on the day.
2)The ability for faculty to demonstrate specific examination techniques from questions put forward from delegates through a moderator.
Dependent on our ability to interact with patients based on government guidelines during the pandemic over the next 3 to 4 months:
3)Delivery of examination by faculty of common conditions for each orthopaedic specialty -either pre-recorded or delivered on the day of the virtual course.
In order to gather interest in delivering our course in this new virtual format, we would be grateful if you could complete the short survey by accessing the link below. We hope to make an announcement in June 2020.