Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed the world as we know it and the practice of medicine forever Past pandemics may have primed us but COVID-19 unfolded on a scale not seen in modern history with many likening it to the 1918 Spanish Flu Fortunately, medicine has progressed since then, and the response to COVID-19 in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan has been robust The aggressive stance adopted by Australia and New Zealand in travel bans, social distancing and active quarantine and surveillance has flattened the curve, curtailed the spread and prevented overwhelming of healthcare systems by COVID-19 patients This has helped keep the case fatality rate to near 1% 1 Despite healthcare systems coming under siege from the surge, inspirational stories surface each day on how healthcare workers support each other and continue to deliver excellent care As surgeons, we pride ourselves in our kinaesthetic ability and physical stamina in service of our patients However, this crisis has forced many of us to adapt to new roles and redefine our practices 2, 3 Proud custodians of tradition have been compelled to adopt new technology and function within the confines of lockdowns and social distancing With the advent of a vaccine or herd immunity, we will eventually overcome this pandemic but the landscape of surgery will be transformed How do we navigate what is to come?