(Re)inventing Academic Practice: organizing of an academic week in times of COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed rapid adaptations on the academic environment, most notably the mandatory transition of in-person events to remote formats. This experience report aims to present the process of organizing and conducting the Academic Week of the Medicine program at a Brazilian public university, discussing the challenges faced, the strategies adopted, and the lessons learned from adapting activities to the virtual environment. The event, themed “The Future of Medicine,” was organized by members of the academic center and included symposiums, debates, and electronic sports competitions designed to foster student engagement. Through the use of digital platforms such as Even3®, YouTube®, and social media, the organizing committee successfully expanded participation and enhanced the integration of students and guest speakers from different regions of the country. Participant evaluations demonstrated high satisfaction, evidencing the feasibility and benefits of remote academic events, while also indicating the relevance of incorporating virtual and hybrid practices into medical extension activities in the post-pandemic period.