Autonomy in entrustable professional activities after the COVID-19 pandemic: the perspectives of residents and teachers

Introduction. The entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are 13 activities that new medical graduates should be able to perform without direct supervision. Our objective was to assess the perceptions of residents and teachers regarding their autonomy to perform the EPAs 2 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study of first-year residents of clinical and surgical specialties and their teachers. Electronic, anonymous questionnaires were used. Results. Subjects were 31 residents and 20 teachers. Most residents believed that they were able to perform 8 of the 13 EPAs independently. According to most teachers, residents required direct supervision to perform 11 of the 13 EPAs. Significant differences were observed between residents' and teachers' perceptions in 8 of the 13 EPAs. Conclusion. The perception of autonomy to perform the EPAs in the beginning of the residency program was considerably better among residents than their teachers.

User-Centered Evaluation and Design Recommendations for an Internal Medicine Resident Competency Assessment Dashboard

OBJECTIVES

Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) members employ varied approaches to the review process. This makes the design of a competency assessment dashboard that fits the needs of all members difficult. This work details a user-centered evaluation of a dashboard currently utilized by the Internal Medicine Clinical Competency Committee (IM CCC) at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and generated design recommendations.

METHODS

Eleven members of the IM CCC participated in semistructured interviews with the research team. These interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis. The three design research methods used in this study included process mapping (workflow diagrams), affinity diagramming, and a ranking experiment.

RESULTS

Through affinity diagramming, the research team identified and organized opportunities for improvement about the current system expressed by study participants. These areas include a time-consuming preprocessing step, lack of integration of data from multiple sources, and different workflows for each step in the review process. Finally, the research team categorized nine dashboard components based on rankings provided by the participants.

CONCLUSION

We successfully conducted user-centered evaluation of an IM CCC dashboard and generated four recommendations. Programs should integrate quantitative and qualitative feedback, create multiple views to display these data based on user roles, work with designers to create a usable, interpretable dashboard, and develop a strong informatics pipeline to manage the system. To our knowledge, this type of user-centered evaluation has rarely been attempted in the medical education domain. Therefore, this study provides best practices for other residency programs to evaluate current competency assessment tools and to develop new ones.

The Effects of COVID-19 on General Surgery Residency Programs in the United States

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted multiple aspects of surgical education. This survey delineates steps taken by general surgery residency programs to meet changing patient-care needs while continuing to provide adequate education.

Methods

A survey was administered to program directors and coordinators of all United States general surgery residency programs to assess the early effects of the pandemic on residents from March 1 through May 31, 2020.

Results

Of 303 programs contacted, 132 (43.6%) completed the survey. Residents were asked to work in areas outside of their specialty at 27.3% of programs. Residency curriculum was changed in 35.6% of programs, and 76.5% of programs changed their academic conferences. Resident schedules were altered at a majority of programs to limit resident-patient exposure, increase ICU coverage, or improve resident utilization. Surgical caseloads decreased at 93.8% of programs; 31.8% of those programs reported concerns regarding residents' achieving the minimum case numbers required to graduate.

Conclusions

These results provided insight into the restructuring of general surgery residency programs during a pandemic and may be used to establish future pandemic response plans.

A nationwide survey on the preference of Indian undergraduate medical students to go abroad for higher studies and residency

Context

Getting residency training abroad is a critical motivator in the emigration of Indian medical students. Brain drain is an emerging issue, especially for developing countries as it causes a shortage of trained staff in the donor country.

Aim

We aimed to survey Indian medical students to know about their intentions to get trained abroad and to understand the factors influencing their decision.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional observational study, we surveyed Indian undergraduate medical students of all professional years, including internship. A validated questionnaire collected data on students' demographics and educational characteristics, intention to study overseas or stay back in India, and factors influencing their decision.

Results

Out of a total of 1199 responses (51.1% males, 48.9% females), 45.0% partakers had planned to pursue their residency abroad, while 33.8% wanted to stay in India and 21.2% were undecided. Better lifestyle and higher pay grades overseas were viewed as the most significant barriers to staying back in India and a key influencer in decision-making among the maximum number of students (412; 76.3%). On the other hand, a whopping 58.2% of participants opined that they wanted to stay back in India for taking care of their parents.

Conclusions

Source countries with better healthcare facilities and better incomes tend to attract medical students. Awareness among medical educators regarding constantly changing curricula, a shift to a competency-based education system, better pay grades, limited working hours, and interventions to mitigate workplace violence could help prevent brain drain among Indian medical students and graduates.

Exploring the Experiences and Impacts of Research Role-Emerging Placements in Physiotherapy

Purpose

Research role-emerging placements (RREPs) have been integrated into placement offerings in Canadian physiotherapy programmes. The purpose of the present study is to describe the experiences and impacts of RREPs completed by graduates of Canadian physiotherapy programmes.

Methods

Participants were recruited by purposive sampling and completed semi-structured interviews to explore their RREP experiences. Themes were identified using thematic analysis and collaboratively analyzed using the DEPICT model.

Results

Eleven participants who completed RREPs during their Canadian physiotherapy programmes (three men, eight women; aged 26.9 [SD 2.7] years) took part in this study. The participants expressed the RREP was a valuable experience. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Motivators for selecting an RREP included interest in research or a medical injury, (2) The RREP experience involved benefits and challenges, (3) Impacts of completing an RREP, and (4) RREP participant suggestions.

Conclusions

RREPs are valuable placement opportunities for learners in Canadian physiotherapy programmes facilitating the development of essential competencies in a non-traditional setting. RREPs could be considered as a placement opportunity for other allied health programmes, as the skills gained are beneficial for all health care professionals.

Three-year COVID-19 and flu vaccinations among medical residents in a tertiary hospital in Italy: The threat of acceptance decline in seasonal campaigns

The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Italy started in December 2020, and, due to the Omicron variant's emergence, a second booster dose was recommended for high-risk individuals and healthcare workers from July 2022. The aim of the study was to evaluate the vaccination coverages for the COVID-19 second booster dose and to identify predictors of its acceptance within the population of medical residents (MRs) of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS (FPG) University Hospital. The study was conducted at FPG from October 4th to December 21st, 2022, and COVID-19 second booster dose and influenza vaccines were administered. The study analyzed collected data and conducted multivariate logistic regressions to explore potential predictors of vaccination adherence. The analyses performed were compared with the sample enrolled in FPG residency programs at the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. 1968 MRs were involved in the 2022-2023 vaccination campaign (mean age 28.97, SD 3.44), and the second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccination coverage was low (18.80%). Almost all participants opted for co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, leading to a similar rate of influenza vaccination coverage (16.26%). Being a frontline resident, meaning a direct involvement in managing COVID-19 patients and vaccination campaigns, was the main predictor of vaccination adherence (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.25-2.17). The dropping in influenza vaccination coverage in 2022-2023 and the low adherence to COVID-19 second booster dose among young physicians is concerning, calling for tailored vaccination campaigns and interventions.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the milestones project in otolaryngology for the brazilian reality

INTRODUCTION

competency-based medical education is well established, but there is a worldwide shortage of instruments capable of assessing these doctors in training.

OBJECTIVE

to validate the instrument The Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Milestone Project for use in Residency Programs in Otorhinolaryngology in Brazil.

METHOD

The study had 5 stages. In stage I, two independent translations of the Milestones Project in otorhinolaryngology were carried out. In step II, a synthesis of the translations was performed. Subsequently, the competencies required by the Brazilian Association of Otorhinolaryngology for training otorhinolaryngologists in Brazil were added. In step III, a back-translation of the instrument was carried out and sent to the original authors. Then, the instrument was sent to be evaluated by a committee of 8 experts. In stage IV, each expert made comments about each of the items, and after analyzing the suggestions, a new instrument was created. In stage V, this instrument was sent for evaluation by otorhinolaryngologists across the country.

RESULTS

after translations and expert evaluation, an instrument with 19 items was created. The instrument was submitted to analysis by Otorhinolaryngologists from all over Brazil. Acceptance percentages were: applicability (99.25%), reliability (99.5%), reproducibility (98.6%), reliability (93.84%), relevance (93.15%).

CONCLUSION

the created instrument was considered applicable, reproducible, relevant, reliable and trustworthy, presenting content validity.

Cardiac POCUS: Another Tool in the Armory

Introduction

This study assessed the educational impact of hybrid cardiac Point of Care Ultrasonography (POCUS) training in a community-based academic setting.

Methods

Internal Medicine and Medicine/Pediatrics residents across all post-graduate years (PGY) at a midwestern medical school under-took a structured hybrid (online and hands-on teaching) model of POCUS training. Anonymous surveys with Likert-type scale responses were administered before and after the curriculum. Questions were categorized into domains to assess the residents' interest in learning POCUS, their understanding of fundamental cardiac ultrasound (US) concepts, and their confidence in its application. The authors used Fisher's Exact and t-test, and estimated odds ratios to gauge the impact of the training to achieve net scores above 0 on each domain.

Results

A total of 27 and 26 residents completed the pre-and post-training surveys, respectively. Experience with previous cardiac US use showed a positive skew. The training resulted in a significant increase in both, the understanding of the principles, and the residents' confidence in its application. These findings were most significant amongst PGY 2 and 3 residents. Post-training mean scores were similar across all domains for subgroups of PGY level and previous ultrasound experience.

Conclusions

Residents displayed greater understanding of the fundamental cardiac ultrasound concepts with improved confidence levels after implementing a structured hybrid teaching model for POCUS. Future studies with objective assessment tools are needed to gauge the clinical impact of POCUS and its adoption rate in clinical practice to guide a recommendation for its incorporation into the residency curriculum.

Dose adjustment of rheumatology and allergy/immunology medications in chronic kidney disease: awareness and knowledge among internal medicine housestaff

Background

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for adverse drug events due to medication dosing errors. We studied the awareness and knowledge among internal medicine housestaff (IMHS) of proper dose adjustment of commonly used rheumatology and allergy/immunology medications for patients with CKD.

Methods

We surveyed 353 IMHS to evaluate their awareness of the need for medication dose adjustments for patients with CKD and knowledge for medication adjustment by level of glomerular filtration rate for common rheumatology and allergy/immunology medications.

Results

There was lack of awareness and knowledge for both rheumatology and allergy/immunology medications. Incorrect awareness and knowledge were as follows: allopurinol, 21.2%, 73.4%; colchicine, 19.0%, 75.9%; diphenhydramine, 34.0%, 34.0%; loratadine, 82.2%, 93.2%; and montelukast, 34.0%, 34.0%, respectively. Exploratory logistic regression analyses showed that PGY1 residents had higher odds for lack of awareness for allopurinol (odds ratio [OR] 24.57, 95% CI [confidence interval] 4.69, 99.13, P < 0.001), colchicine (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.50, 10.51, P < 0.01), diphenhydramine (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.10, 4.54, P < 0.04), and montelukast (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.20, 5.00, P < 0.05) than PGY3 residents. A nephrology rotation in medical school was associated with lower odds for incorrect knowledge for allopurinol (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.25, 0.87, P < 0.05) and montelukast (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27, 0.92, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, awareness and knowledge were poor among IMHS for dose adjustments of rheumatology and allergy/immunology medications in patients with CKD. Proper education and exposure to nephrology during training may improve quality and safety of care for patients with CKD.

A Study of the Current Scenario of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency during the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

 To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residency of gynecology and obstetrics in São Paulo.

METHODS

 Cross-sectional study developed by representatives of residents of the Association of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the State of São Paulo (SOGESP, in the Portuguese acronym). Data were collected from questionnaires applied to gynecology and obstetrics residents registered on the SOGESP website in February 2022. The interviewees answered about the repercussions of the pandemic on medical residency and whether they had technical and psychological support during the period.

RESULTS

 A total of 247 questionnaires were collected from residents of gynecology and obstetrics. The residents had an age of 28.3 ± 3 years old, and most of them were female (88.4%). The displacement to COVID care was reported by 62.34% of the students, but only 35.6% reported completely adequate personal protective equipment and only 7.7% reported complete theoretical and technical instruction to support these patients. Almost all of the interviewees stated that the gynecology sector was the most affected. The majority of the interviewees considered that the second-year residents had the greatest loss, and more than half of the residents in the 1st and 2nd year said they wished to give up their residency during the pandemic. More than 80% of the residents reported online theoretical classes and/or presentation of articles, reinforcing the fact that virtual activities gained a greater space within the medical residency.

CONCLUSION

 The pandemic impacted the residency in greater proportion in outpatient clinics and gynecological surgeries, also interfering with the physician's desire to continue with the program.

"I'd rather see action": Application and recruitment experiences of underrepresented in emergency medicine trainees

Objectives

The emergency medicine (EM) physician workforce is largely composed of white men. Despite recruitment efforts over the past decade, there has not been a significant increase of trainees with underrepresented racial and ethnic identities in EM (URM). Prior studies have focused on institutional strategies to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in EM residency recruitment but have been limited in describing URM trainees' perspectives. We sought to assess URM trainees' perspectives on DEI in the EM residency application and selection process.

Methods

This study was conducted at an urban academic medical center in the United States from November 2021 to March 2022. Junior residents were invited to participate in individual semistructured interviews. We used a combined deductive-inductive approach to categorize responses in predetermined areas of interest then elicit dominant themes within each category through consensus discussions. Thematic saturation was reached after eight interviews, indicating adequate sample size.

Results

Ten residents participated in semistructured interviews. All identified as racial or ethnic minorities. Three dominant themes emerged relating to authenticity, representation, and being treated as a learner first. Participants assessed the authenticity of a program's DEI efforts by evaluating the time frame and scope of DEI efforts. Participants reported a desire for representation of other URM colleagues in a residency program and training environment. While participants wanted their lived experience as URM trainees acknowledged, they were wary of being viewed solely through the lens of future DEI leaders rather than as learners first.

Conclusions

URM residents value multifaceted commitment to DEI efforts, representation, and being seen as learners first when assessing residency programs. Programs seeking to recruit URM residents should develop a department-wide, multipronged, comprehensive DEI plan and showcase how their program will contribute to an applicant's professional development.

Changes in otolaryngology application requirements and match outcomes: Are we doing any better?

Objectives

Otolaryngology-specific requirements were piloted to minimize applicant and program burdens. We investigated the impact of introducing and then removing these requirements on Match outcomes.

Methods

2014-2021 National Resident Matching Program® data were examined. The primary outcome was the impact of Otolaryngology Resident Talent Assessment (ORTA; prematch 2017, postmatch 2019) and Program-Specific Paragraph (PSP; implemented 2016, optional 2018) on applicant numbers and match rates. Secondary survey analysis assessed candidate perceptions of PSP/ORTA.

Results

Applicant numbers declined significantly during PSP/ORTA (18.9%; p = 0.001). With the optional PSP and postmatch ORTA, applicant numbers increased significantly (39.0%; p = 0.002). Examined individually, mandatory PSP was associated with a significant decline in applicants (p = 0.007), whereas postmatch ORTA was associated with significant increases in applicants (p = 0.010). ORTA and PSP negatively impacted the decision to apply to otolaryngology in 59.8% and 51.3% of applicants, respectively. Conversely, match rate success improved significantly from 74.8% to 91.2% during PSP/ORTA (p = 0.014), followed by a significant decline to 73.1% after PSP was made optional and ORTA moved to postmatch (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

ORTA and PSP correlated with decreased applicant numbers and increased match rate success. As programs seek ways to remove barriers to applying to otolaryngology, the potential consequences of an increasing pool of unmatched candidates must also be considered.

Benefits of virtual externships with a pediatric dentistry program for potential residents

PURPOSE

To determine if a virtual externship (VE) is beneficial to potential applicants regarding their perceived knowledge of a pediatric dentistry residency program. Secondarily, this study identified general program characteristics that influence resident ranking decisions.

METHODS

All applicants who applied to a pediatric dentistry residency program in the Southeast were invited to participate in a VE. Those who participated in the externship (n = 65) were asked to voluntarily complete Pre- and Post-VE surveys. Participants were asked 22 questions about their level of knowledge of both tangible and intangible aspects of the program such as stipend, patient volume, faculty-resident interaction, and resident comradery. Participants were also asked to rank 9 general characteristics that influence ranking decisions such as geography, cost to attend, and reputation of the program and were asked to rate their satisfaction with the VE. Post-VE data were compared to pre-VE data to determine level of knowledge gained via Wilcoxin matched pairs signed rank test (significance set at p < 0.05).

RESULTS

When comparing Pre- and Post-VE ratings of level of knowledge about each category, all 22 categories assessed showed statistically significant mean differences indicating perceived knowledge gain with the most knowledge gained for "resident satisfaction in the program." Of the nine program characteristics, clinical experience was the most important factor to participants. Participants (100%) were satisfied with the VE experience and indicated the VE gave them the opportunity to get to know the program.

CONCLUSIONS

A virtual externship is a satisfactory option for increasing applicant knowledge of the tangible and intangible aspects of a residency program.

Relationship Between Residency Match Distance From Medical School and Virtual Application, School Characteristics, and Specialty Competitiveness

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the residency match process by eliminating away rotations and changing from in-person to virtual interviews. In this study, we explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the geographic match distance of United States (US) senior medical students across all specialties.

METHODS

We collected publicly available student match data between 2018 and 2021 from US allopathic medical schools and calculated match distance between medical school and residency training using a novel metric - the "match space." Match space was codified by whether the student matched at their home institution, home state, adjacent state, same or adjacent US census division (non-adjacent state) or skipped at least one US census division. Adjusting for covariates, ordinal logistic regression correlated school and specialty characteristics with match distance pre- and post-pandemic for all specialties. We defined and ranked specialty competitiveness using predictive values from factor analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 34,672 students representing 66 medical schools from 28 states matched into 26 specialties in 50 states and Canada. Fifty-nine percent of students were from public institutions, and 27% of schools ranked in the top 40 for research. The mean percentage of in-state students by school was 60.3% (range 3-100%). Match space was lower after the pandemic (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98; p=0.006), from schools with higher in-state percentages (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.72-0.76), from top National Institutes of Health-funded institutions (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85-0.92), from the Northeast (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.67-0.75; Midwest reference), and the West (OR 0.67, 95% 0.60-0.74). Match space was higher for students graduating from private schools (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05-1.19), from the South (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.2-1.33), and matching into more competitive specialties (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.14). The top five most competitive specialties were Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Dermatology, Orthopedic Surgery, and Otolaryngology. Internal Medicine ranked eighth.

CONCLUSIONS

After the COVID-19 pandemic, students graduating from US allopathic schools matched closer to their home institution. Students attending public schools, schools with more in-state matriculants, and schools with higher research rankings also matched closer to their home institutions. Specialty competitiveness and US census region also impacted match distance. Our study adds insight into how geographic match patterns were influenced by school, specialty choice, and the pandemic.

Ultrasound Simulation Training for Radiology Residents-Curriculum Design and Implementation

Medical simulation training can be used to improve clinician performance, teach communication and professionalism skills, and enhance team training. Radiology residents can benefit from simulation training in diagnostic ultrasound, procedural ultrasound, and communication skills prior to direct patient care experiences. This paper details a weeklong ultrasound simulation training curriculum for radiology residents during the PGY-1 clinical internship. The organization of established teaching methods into a dedicated course early in radiology residency training with the benefit of a multi-disciplinary approach makes this method unique. This framework can be adapted to fit learners at different skill levels or with specific procedural needs.

A Survey of Pandemic Impacts on Pharmacy Residency Applications, Interviews, and Selection Factors

Objective. To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pharmacy residency application/interview processes, match rate, and factors influencing match rankings at a single college of pharmacyMethods. In spring of 2020 and 2021, an anonymous survey of fourth-year pharmacy school (P4) residency applicants at one college of pharmacy was administered. Survey responses were compared to explore trends in showcase participation, number/type/geographic dispersion of applications submitted, interview invitations, grade point average (GPA), research experience, and match rate. A thematic analysis evaluated common factors influencing match rankings.Results. Responses were collected from 75 of 99 (75.8% response rate) residency-seeking students in 2020 and 79 of 94 (84.0% response rate) in 2021. Students in 2021 reported applying to a higher median number of programs, with no significant differences in mean reported number of interview invitations or match rate. The virtual American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Showcase led to a median reported savings of $1000 with no significant impact on perceived value. Virtual interviews led to a median reported savings of $430. Thematic analysis revealed feel/culture, location, and learning experience options as the most prevalent deciding factors for match rankings in both years.Conclusion. The pandemic led to an increase in the number of residency applications per student and yielded a net cost savings. There were no differences in number of interviews offered, match rate, or in deciding factors influencing match rankings. As the pandemic evolves, schools should maintain a flexible and dynamic approach to support students.

Evaluating first year residents' communication skills: a health literacy curriculum needs assessment

BACKGROUND

High quality communication skills are necessary for competent and ethical practice. When patients present with low health literacy, physicians' skills may be lacking, which can put patients' safety and satisfaction at risk. The authors' developed and executed a simulation-based needs assessment following conflicting internal reports about the communications skills of new residents.

METHODS

The current study recruited first year residents (N = 30) during the 2019 first post-graduate year (PGY-1) orientation at a southeastern university hospital simulation center. The residents completed an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) which focused on obtaining informed consent from a patient's health care proxy who presented with limited literacy and health literacy and poor communication skills. After completing the OSCE, the residents, simulated patients (SP), and independent observers assessed the residents' performance.

RESULTS

Residents assessed their performance higher when compared with the ratings from independent observers and patient raters. Residents who spent more time with SPs were given higher ratings by the SPs and independent observers. Finally, residents' ratings of themselves had a positive correlation with their reported confidence, but no correlation between self-confidence and the ratings provided by SPs or observers.

CONCLUSION

PGY-1 residents demonstrate a continued need for health literacy and informed consent education, despite faculty believing that these skills were covered enough in medical school. These residents also demonstrated limited self-assessment ability or skills below the expectations of health literacy experts. Curriculum changes included improving the focus on health literacy, communication skills, and additional practice opportunities throughout their internship year.

Improving Medical Student Mentorship in Orthopaedic Surgery

Introduction

Owing to limited clinical clerkships and travel restrictions related to COVID-19, recent medical student mentorship in orthopaedic surgery has been impacted negatively. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to determine if medical student awareness of orthopaedics as a possible career field may be improved through a mentoring program designed and delivered by orthopaedic residents.

Methods

A five-resident QI team developed four educational sessions aimed at a medical student audience. Forum topics included: (1) orthopaedics as a career, (2) fracture conference, (3) splinting workshop, and (4) residency application process. Pre- and post-forum surveys were administered to student participants to assess changes in their perceptions regarding orthopaedic surgery. Data derived from the questionnaires were analyzed with nonparametric statistical tests.

Results

Of 18 forum participants, 14 were men and 4 were women. A total of 40 survey pairs were collected, averaging 10 per session. In the all-participant encounter analysis, there were statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures including interest in, exposure to, and knowledge of orthopaedics; exposure to our training program; and ability to interact with our residents. Those undecided regarding their specialty demonstrated larger increases in post-forum responses, suggesting that the learning experience was more impactful for that subgroup.

Conclusions

This QI initiative was a successful demonstration of orthopaedic resident mentorship of medical students, wherein perceptions of orthopaedics were influenced favorably by the educational experience. For some students with limited access to orthopaedic clerkships or formal one-on-one mentoring, forums like these may be an acceptable alternative.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Surgical Training and Education

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted conventional medical education for surgical trainees with respect to clinical training, didactics, and research. While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical trainees were variable, some common themes are identifiable. As hordes of COVID-19 patients entered hospitals, many surgical trainees stepped away from their curricula and were redeployed to other hospital units to care for COVID-19 patients. Moreover, the need for social distancing limited traditional educational activities. Regarding clinical training, some trainees demonstrated reduced case logs and decreased surgical confidence. For residents, fellows, and medical students alike, most didactic education transitioned to virtual platforms, leading to an increase in remote educational resources and an increased emphasis on surgical simulation. Resident research productivity initially declined, although the onset of virtual conferences provided new opportunities for trainees to present their work. Finally, the pandemic was associated with increased anxiety, depression, and substance use for some trainees. Ultimately, we are still growing our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has redefined surgical training and how to best implement the lessons we have learned.

Mistakes, Misrepresentation, and Misunderstanding on Applications to a Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program

Purpose: Determine the educational background, research publications/presentations experience, and rates of research publication and presentation inaccuracies in applications to a Canadian diagnostic imaging residency program. Method: The education and publication/presentation sections of the Canadian Resident Matching Service form for all applicants to the University of Saskatchewan diagnostic imaging residency program from 2019-20 and 2020-21 were reviewed. Number of advanced degrees (Master's/PhDs), publications, and presentations were recorded. Accuracy of publications listed was confirmed via PubMed-MEDLINE, journal's website, or internet searching. Accuracy of presentations was confirmed via society and residency program websites. Inaccuracies of non-authorship, incorrect authorship order/status (self-promotion or demotion), and nonexistence of article/presentation from a verifiable source were recorded. Result: There were a total of 106 applicants. Thirty (28%) had advanced degrees. There were 230 publications from 61 applicants with inaccuracies in only 5 (2%) of the publications (2 self-promotion, 3 self-demotion). For the 77 publications listed as pending, 25 (31%) were published within 6 months of applications deadlines with 1 non-authorship, 1 self-promotion, and 1 self-demotion. For scientific presentations, there were 467 listed presentations by 91 applicants. Two hundred and twenty-one presentations were from verifiable sources with inaccuracies in 28 (13%) of presentations (9 self-promotion, 9 self-demotion, 1 non-authorship, and 9 non-existence). Conclusion: Despite some uncertainty with scientific articles reported as pending and scientific presentations, radiology residency applicants are accurately representing their published articles with a negligible number of misrepresentations. Canadian radiology residency programs should regard the publication profiles of the applicants with a high level of confidence.

Addressing Burnout Among Women Residents: Results from Focus Group Discussions

Introduction

Physician burnout has been described as more common among women than men. Even if there are no gender-based differences in prevalence, risk factors, such as work/home integration/conflict and gendered biases, likely differ. Prior administrations of an annual resident wellness survey at a single urban academic institution confirmed that rates of burnout were higher among women, especially during the PGY-2 year.

Methods

A series of focus groups of PGY-3 women residents across specialties were organized in 2019 at a single urban academic medical center. Given the number of participants, demographics were not collected to maintain participant anonymity. The moderator for all groups used a discussion guide consisting of eight open-ended questions based on a review of the literature.

Results

Ten residents agreed to participate in one of four hour-long focus group discussions. While the residents identified some factors that were not gender-specific, they also discussed issues that they faced as women in medicine, including needing to work harder to prove themselves and unconscious gendered biases from faculty and patients. The residents thought that their well-being would be improved if their training programs better understood the experiences and needs of women residents and recommended a series of interventions, including improved mentoring and networking opportunities.

Conclusions

Interventions to improve well-being need to consider gender-based differences. While mentoring and networking can help all residents, these may be especially useful for women and should be considered as a component of an overarching plan to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Read to Lead: Developing a Leadership Book Club Curriculum for Graduate Medical Education

BACKGROUND

The importance of effective leadership for improving patient care and physician well-being is gaining increased attention in medicine. Despite this, few residency programs have formalized education on leadership in medicine. The most effective ways to train graduate medical education (GME) trainees in leadership are unclear.

METHODS

Our large internal medicine residency program implemented a book club to develop leadership skills in residency. Through independent reading of the selected book and resident-led small group discussions, we facilitated dialogue on the challenges of leading effectively.

RESULTS

A survey-based curricular evaluation demonstrated that 61% of respondents felt that the book club influenced their thoughts about leadership and that 66% of participants would recommend the book club to other residency programs. Lack of time was the main barrier to participation while addition of complementary media or alternative book formats were identified as possible solutions to increase engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Leadership book clubs are a practical and effective way to teach leadership during residency. More research is needed to identify the best formats for book club discussion and to develop additional tools to foster future physician leaders.