Lessons Learned Transitioning from Traditional Premedical and Medical Education to E-learning Platforms during the COVID-19 Pandemic within the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Educational systems across the globe were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and faculty, staff, and students had to rapidly transition to e-learning platforms. These groups had little preparation to cope with the challenges of this newly adopted system. However, as we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 era, efforts are being made to assess the impact of this transition and develop a framework of best practices to help educators prepare for possible future disruptions. This commentary aims to discuss some of the challenges associated with the rapid transition to the new academic environment, including the modes of instruction employed, technical obstacles encountered, student responses to change and efforts made to evaluate didactic and practical aspects of the curriculum in the contexts of premedical and medical education, at the newly established College of Medicine at Khalifa University of Science and Technology in the United Arab Emirates.