scholarly journals Global Health Curricula in Ophthalmology Residency Programs in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. e183-e191
Author(s):  
Momoko K. Ponsetto ◽  
Nicole H. Siegel ◽  
Manishi A. Desai ◽  
Kara C. LaMattina

Abstract Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the design, content, and administration of global health curricula within ophthalmology residency programs in the United States (U.S.) and share the curriculum utilized in the Department of Ophthalmology at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). Design A survey designed through the Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology platform was emailed to residency program directors at 106 accredited ophthalmology residency programs. Setting BUSM Department of Ophthalmology, Boston, MA. Tertiary clinical care. Participants Twenty-eight ophthalmology residency program directors responded, which represent 26% of the total number of residency programs in the United States. Twenty-seven programs fully completed the survey, and one program partially completed the survey. Results Of the respondents, three programs do not include global health curricula. The most common curricular elements included are: lectures (n = 15, 60%); wet laboratories (n = 10, 40%); and journal clubs (n = 9, 36%). In terms of annual frequency, global health activities occur: twice a year (n = 12, 46%); less than once a year (n = 10, 39%); or every few months (n = 4, 15%). Fewer than half of programs (n = 10, 42%) incorporate local outreach at least once a year into their program. Twelve programs (48%) do not incorporate ethics-related topics, while the 13 remaining programs (52%) incorporate them at least once annually. The most common curricular topic is surgical techniques, with manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) being the most frequently emphasized (n = 17, 68%). Conclusion A robust global health curricula combined with a hands-on international component can contribute to a well-rounded training experience. Many ophthalmology residency programs value the importance of incorporating global health into their residents' training. The most common elements of global health curricula in U.S. ophthalmology residency programs included are teaching of surgical techniques for resource-limited settings and international electives. Further investigation into the impact of different components of a global health curriculum on both resident experience and international partnerships is warranted.

2021 ◽  
Vol Publish Ahead of Print ◽  
Author(s):  
Stein J. Janssen ◽  
David W.G. Langerhuizen ◽  
Gino M.M.J. Kerkhoffs ◽  
David Ring

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. e88-e94
Author(s):  
Alyssa M. Kretz ◽  
Jennifer E. deSante-Bertkau ◽  
Michael V. Boland ◽  
Xinxing Guo ◽  
Megan E. Collins

Abstract Background While ethics and professionalism are important components of graduate medical education, there is limited data about how ethics and professionalism curricula are taught or assessed in ophthalmology residency programs. Objective This study aimed to determine how U.S. ophthalmology residency programs teach and assess ethics and professionalism and explore trainee preparedness in these areas. Methods Directors from accredited U.S. ophthalmology residency programs completed an online survey about components of programs' ethics and professionalism teaching curricula, strategies for assessing competence, and trainee preparedness in these areas. Results Directors from 55 of 116 programs (46%) responded. The most common ethics and professionalism topics taught were informed consent (38/49, 78%) and risk management and litigation (38/49, 78%), respectively; most programs assessed trainee competence via 360-degree global evaluation (36/48, 75%). While most (46/48, 95%) respondents reported that their trainees were well or very well prepared at the time of graduation, 15 of 48 (31%) had prohibited a trainee from graduating or required remediation prior to graduation due to unethical or unprofessional conduct. Nearly every program (37/48, 98%) thought that it was very important to dedicate curricular time to teaching ethics and professionalism. Overall, 16 of 48 respondents (33%) felt that the time spent teaching these topics was too little. Conclusion Ophthalmology residency program directors recognized the importance of an ethics and professionalism curriculum. However, there was marked variation in teaching and assessment methods. Additional work is necessary to identify optimal strategies for teaching and assessing competence in these areas. In addition, a substantial number of trainees were prohibited from graduating or required remediation due to ethics and professionalism issues, suggesting an impact of unethical and unprofessional behavior on resident attrition.


2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana S. Curran ◽  
Pamela B. Andreatta ◽  
Xiao Xu ◽  
Clark E. Nugent ◽  
Samantha R. Dewald ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Residency programs seek to match the best candidates with their positions. To avoid ethical conflicts in this process, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP or Match) has rules regarding appropriate conduct, including guidelines on contact between candidates and programs. Our study examined communication between obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) programs and residency candidates after interviewing and prior to ranking. Methods Ob-Gyn program directors in the United States were sent a self-administered survey via e-mail. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive methods to examine communication practices of these programs. Results The response rate was 40%. The findings showed that respondents had variable interpretations of the NRMP rules and suggest that programs may be communicating their match intentions especially to favored candidates. Respondents' open text comments highlighted program directors' frustrations with current NRMP rules. Discussion NRMP communication rules are intended to minimize pressure on residency candidates. Our findings suggest they may be leading to unforeseen stresses on program directors and candidates. Conclusions As educational leaders in medicine, we must consider what professional communications are acceptable without increasing the pressure on candidates during the ranking and match process.


2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 449-456
Author(s):  
Oscar Santalo ◽  
Joelle Farano ◽  
Jacqualine Igwe ◽  
Niaz Deyhim

Abstract Purpose To perform an inquiry with response measurement from health-system pharmacy administration and leadership (HSPAL) residency program directors and residents to distinguish variances between the programs and identify enhancement opportunities for key stakeholders. Methods Members from the Pharmacy Administration Resident Collaboration Research Committee developed separate 20-question survey instruments to assess the strengths and areas of opportunity for HSPAL residency programs from the perspective of residency program directors and residents. The survey instruments were designed to evaluate the level of pharmacy service integration across HSPAL programs nationwide. Results Nearly half of the residency program directors within the listserv (40.74%, 33/81) participated in the survey. The recognized areas of opportunity by residency program directors include community pharmacy leadership, professional organization involvement, sterile compounding, and supply chain management. About a third (32.54%, 41/126) of the residents participated in the survey. Residents reported the least exposure to community pharmacy leadership, human resource management, informatics, professional organizations, and ambulatory care/specialty rotations. The overall recommendations for HSPAL residency programs are to incorporate C-suite–level experiences, improve alumni engagement, develop longitudinal human resource/financial experiences, and encourage resident credential obtainment. Conclusion In order to foster professional and leadership growth for HSPAL residents, residency programs should consider incorporating C-suite–level experiences, longitudinal human resource/finance experiences, alumni engagement opportunities, rotation variety, professional organization involvement, and support in credential obtainment.


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