Problem and significance: Our pediatric residency simulation program focuses on assessment of the acute patient and was formerly done completely in situ. In response to the COVID-19 virus, a Michigan state mandate prohibited in person work that was not direct patient care. The “mommy call,” or call from a worried parent at home needing after-hours medical advice about an acute issue, is a common pediatric encounter that requires assessment skills that are very different from those more typically taught during residency. Faced with a remote working environment, we seized the opportunity to teach remote assessment skills that could equip our learners to handle “mommy call” encounters.

Results: Two phone call simulations were conducted, with 7 learners providing feedback in the first and 5 in the second. The most valued learning themes were (1) Challenge to standard way of thinking about assessment and (2) Increased focus on communication skills. Despite a virtual environment, learners stated simulation continued to be interactive, and allowed application of critical thinking skills. Learners expressed 100% rates of satisfaction with the virtual delivery method, as well as 100% desire to repeat a similar simulation scenario, and felt participation and collaboration in the brainstorming portion could be improved by using smaller breakout rooms.

Conclusion: The virtual platform of Microsoft Teams and the use of a simulated phone call were able to meet our goals of teaching acute pediatric assessment remotely. Because “mommy calls” provided value to learners to increase innovative thinking about assessment and communication skills, we would continue to offer the desired repeated experience to gain remote assessment skills.