To evaluate the training effect in cataract surgery, we studied four right-handed ophthalmologists who were learning temporal corneal incision. The surgical technique included phacoemulsification of cataractous lens nuclei with an ultrasonic handpiece and insertion of intraocular lenses with the right hand for the right eye and with the left hand for the left eye. We recorded the ultrasound time and energy to evaluate the training process quantitatively and compared 10 early cases with 10 cases treated after 6 to 15 months of training. We found that ultrasound time decreased after training and did not differ significantly between the right and left hands for three trainees. However, one trainee continued to require longer ultrasound time with the left hand even after training. The reduction in energy was greatest for the youngest trainee, indicating the training effect was also greatest. We could evaluate the training process quantitatively and could determine individual characteristics for a standardized technique, such as phacoemulsification in cataract surgery.

Students in all years, including those in lower years, were prohibited from coming to campus because of COVID-19, which began to spread in January 2020. However, we believed that a hospital tour and observership would be important practical training for first and second year medical students as part of the early exposure program, which aims to increase student motivation. Thus, we decided to conduct a virtual hospital tour and a virtual observation of medical doctors’ work. We used Zoom to conduct a virtual hospital tour for first-year students in June, and a virtual observation of physicians’ work for second-year students in December. Although this offered less of an opportunity to experience the reality of the clinic, there have been benefits in terms of increased learning content, fairness of learning opportunities delivered, and the promotion of independent learning. With regard to a “Hospital Tour” and the “Observation of Medical Doctors’ Work” , we believe that hybrid forms, which are able to skillfully combine the strengths of the two methods, would be effective.