Sir, during the current coronavirus pandemic trainee education has come to a stop. For DCTs in OMFS posts the opportunities normally afforded by elective operations and outpatient interactions have disappeared. Many of our colleagues have been redeployed to other hospitals or fields of practice. Trainees like myself have few opportunities to learn as part of our normal post.

Social distancing measures mean that formalised group teaching sessions must be suspended for the foreseeable future. For the duration of my post this has been an enjoyable weekly opportunity to discuss our training, learn about chosen topics, and present audits or other projects. The loss of these sessions is understandable, but no less frustrating. There has been a recent rise in use of video communication. Apps like Houseparty and Zoom help us socialise from our homes and this idea inspired me to consider other means of group teaching. I therefore arranged a journal club on Microsoft Teams, which took place instead of our usual consultant-led session. We now plan to hold regular video sessions to present and discuss other papers.

The current crisis does not mean that no teaching can happen, but rather that conventional means have to be replaced. Given the severe reduction in learning opportunities for trainees, I am pleased that video meetings are a suitable alternative.