scholarly journals The Impact of Virtual Interviews on the Geographic Distribution of Ophthalmology Match Results in the 2020–2021 Cycle

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. e242-e246
Author(s):  
Chandruganesh Rasendran ◽  
Sarah Rahman ◽  
Uthman Younis ◽  
Raoul Wadhwa ◽  
Manasvee Kapadia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Geographic Distribution ◽  
Residency Program ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
International Medical Graduate ◽  
Medical Graduate ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Instead of the traditional in-person interviews, the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology application cycle was conducted with virtual interviews due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019). Little is known about differences between the results of this application cycle with previous years. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effect of virtual interviews on the geographic distribution of matched ophthalmology residency applicants. Methods Information was collected on the medical school location and matched residency program location for 2020 to 2021 applicants as well as applicants during the 2016 to 2017, 2017 to 2018, and 2018 to 2019 cycles from publicly available Web sites. Pearson chi-squared tests were conducted to determine whether there was a significant difference in the proportion of applicants matching in the same region, state, and institution as their medical schools in the 2020 to 2021 interview cycle when compared with past cycles. Results Three-hundred seventy-five applicants from 2020 to 2021 and 1,190 applicants from 2016 to 2019 application cycles were analyzed. There was no difference in the type of medical school attended (allopathic vs. osteopathic vs. international medical graduate) (p = 0.069), the likelihood of attending a residency program in the same region as the home medical school (54% for 2020–2021 vs. 57% for 2016–2019 applicants, p = 0.3), and the likelihood of attending a residency program in the same state as the home medical school (31 vs. 28%, p = 0.2). There was a higher likelihood of applicants during the 2020 to 2021 cycle matching at a residency program affiliated with their home medical school than previous cycles (23 vs. 18%, p = 0.03). Conclusions Virtual interviews did not increase the likelihood of medical students staying in the same region or state as their medical school, while there was a higher likelihood of applicants matching at residency programs at institutions affiliated with their medical schools. A hybrid approach to maintain geographic diversity of applicants' final residency programs involving virtual interviews with the addition of in-person away rotations is suggested.

scholarly journals Guiding Residency Program Educational Goals Using Institutional Keyword Reports from the Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program Examination

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. e234-e238
Author(s):  
Isdin Oke ◽  
Steven D. Ness ◽  
Jean E. Ramsey ◽  
Nicole H. Siegel ◽  
Crandall E. Peeler
Keyword(s):  
Residency Program ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Knowledge Assessment ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Educational Goals ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Percent Correct ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Assessment Program ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Introduction Residency programs receive an institutional keyword report following the annual Ophthalmic Knowledge Assessment Program (OKAP) examination containing the raw number of incorrectly answered questions. Programs would benefit from a method to compare relative performance between subspecialty sections. We propose a technique of normalizing the keyword report to determine relative subspecialty strengths and weaknesses in trainee performance. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our institutional keyword reports from 2017 to 2019. We normalized the percentage of correctly answered questions for each postgraduate year (PGY) level by dividing the percent of correctly answered questions for each subspecialty by the percent correct across all subsections for that PGY level. We repeated this calculation for each PGY level in each subsection for each calendar year of analysis. Results There was a statistically significant difference in mean performance between the subspecialty sections (p = 0.038). We found above average performance in the Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation section (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.18) and high variability of performance in the Clinical Optics section (95% CI: 0.76–1.34). Discussion The OKAP institutional keyword reports are extremely valuable for residency program self-evaluation. Performance normalized for PGY level and test year can reveal insightful trends into the relative strengths and weaknesses of trainee knowledge and guide data-driven curriculum improvement.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK medical school widening access schemes: disruption, support and a virtual student led initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily R Bligh ◽  
Ellie Courtney ◽  
Rebecca Stirling ◽  
Asveny Rajananthanan ◽  
Hibatallah Altaher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Educational Background ◽  
Socioeconomic Background ◽  
Widening Participation ◽  
Manipulation Check ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Widening Access ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has disrupted medical education in the United Kingdom (UK). The pandemic may result in a long-term disproportionate negative impact to students applying to Medical School from a low-socioeconomic background. In addition, the upsurge in Medical School applications increases the likelihood of stricter University entry criteria over the coming years. There is no current research to determine how widening participation of Medicine to students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds can be improved virtually. The aim of this study is to establish the impact of COVID-19 on students enrolled in UK widening access schemes and the role of virtual student led initiatives in widening participation. Methods A voluntary online survey was distributed to UK Sixth Form students (N = 31) enrolled in a widening access scheme who attended Sheffield Neuroscience Society International Virtual Conference in February 2021. The event was free to attend. The five-domain survey consisted of questions determining demographics, career aspirations, impact of COVID-19, academic skillsets and an educational manipulation check. Results There were 30 pre-conference and 26 post-conference responses. 76.7 % had work experience cancelled due to COVID-19. A total of 36.7 % of participants reported participating in virtual work experience. ‘Observe GP’ and ‘Medic Mentor’ were each specified as attended virtual opportunities in 20 % of answers. Post conference, students felt significantly more confident in applying to Medical School (p = 0.008) and more prepared to undertake a presentation (p = 0.002). Educational manipulation check scores increased significantly (p = 0.003). 100 % of students felt inspired to do further CV building activities. Conclusions COVID-19 has negatively impacted pupils enrolled in UK Medical School widening access schemes. Virtual student led initiatives can instill confidence in delegates from low socio-economic backgrounds, increase their career knowledge and inspire them to take part in further CV building exercises. Both Medical Schools and medical students play a key role in widening participation. This study recommends Medical Schools promote access to virtual events, urge private and state schools to declare offered opportunities and act mindfully when determining student’s academic potential in the context of their socioeconomic and/or educational background.

scholarly journals Enhancing Competency in Professionalism: Targeting Resident Advance Directive Education

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Y. Colbert ◽  
Curtis Mirkes ◽  
Paul E. Ogden ◽  
Mary Elizabeth Herring ◽  
Christian Cable ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Advance Directives ◽  
Advance Directive ◽  
Residency Program ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Science Center ◽  
Sufficient Knowledge ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
School Curricula

Abstract Background Education about advance directives typically is incorporated into medical school curricula and is not commonly offered in residency. Residents' experiences with advance directives are generally random, nonstandardized, and difficult to assess. In 2008, an advance directive curriculum was developed by the Scott & White/Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine (S&W/Texas A&M) internal medicine residency program and the hospital's legal department. A pilot study examining residents' attitudes and experiences regarding advance directives was carried out at 2 medical schools. Methods In 2009, 59 internal medicine and family medicine residents (postgraduate year 2–3 [PGY-2, 3]) completed questionnaires at S&W/Texas A&M (n  =  32) and The University of Texas Medical School at Houston (n  =  27) during a validation study of knowledge about advance directives. The questionnaire contained Likert-response items assessing attitudes and practices surrounding advance directives. Our analysis included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare responses across categories. Results While 53% of residents agreed/strongly agreed they had “sufficient knowledge of advance directives, given my years of training,” 47% disagreed/strongly disagreed with that statement. Most (93%) agreed/strongly agreed that “didactic sessions on advance directives should be offered by my hospital, residency program, or medical school.” A test of responses across residency years with ANOVA showed a significant difference between ratings by PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents on 3 items: “Advance directives should only be discussed with patients over 60,” “I have sufficient knowledge of advance directives, given my years of training,” and “I believe my experience with advance directives is adequate for the situations I routinely encounter.” Conclusion Our study highlighted the continuing need for advance directive resident curricula. Medical school curricula alone do not appear to be sufficient for residents' needs in this area.

The Impact of a Novel Outdoor Orientation Program on Incoming Medical Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 105382592110486
Author(s):  
Jacquelyn B. Kercheval ◽  
Alec Bernard ◽  
Hanna Berlin ◽  
Nicole Byl ◽  
Boone Marois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Orientation Program ◽  
Outdoor Orientation Programs ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Outdoor Orientation ◽  
Outdoor Orientation Program

Background: Undergraduate outdoor orientation programs facilitate students’ transition into college. Research has yet to be conducted on the few programs at medical schools, which may have unique benefits given the specific challenges of transitioning to medical school and high rates of burnout among medical students. Purpose: This mixed methods study examines the impact of one medical school's outdoor orientation program on its participants. Methodology/Approach: A survey was administered immediately following the 2018 trip ( N = 56 responses). Follow-up focus groups were conducted with a sample of the same participants ( N = 18) in 2019. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings/Conclusions: Participants felt that the program helped ease their transition into medical school, establish a support system, and hone personal development and wellness skills. Many of these effects persisted up to one year later. Implications: These findings are of particular interest to the medical and experiential education communities because many outcomes persisted for at least one year after the original trip and aligned with factors believed to protect against medical student burnout. There is opportunity for additional research as well as expansion of similar programs to other medical schools.

A comparison of student performance on discipline-specific versus integrated exams in a medical school course

2013 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 370-376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew R. Thompson ◽  
Mark W. Braun ◽  
Valerie D. O'Loughlin
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Bloom's Taxonomy ◽  
Integrated Instruction ◽  
Bloom’S Taxonomy ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Usmle Step 1 ◽  
Usmle Step ◽  
Exam Scores ◽  
The Impact

Curricular reform is a widespread trend among medical schools. Assessing the impact that pedagogical changes have on students is a vital step in review process. This study examined how a shift from discipline-focused instruction and assessment to integrated instruction and assessment affected student performance in a second-year medical school pathology course. We investigated this by comparing pathology exam scores between students exposed to traditional discipline-specific instruction and exams (DSE) versus integrated instruction and exams (IE). Exam content was controlled, and individual questions were evaluated using a modified version of Bloom's taxonomy. Additionally, we compared United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) step 1 scores between DSE and IE groups. Our findings indicate that DSE students performed better than IE students on complete pathology exams. However, when exam content was controlled, exam scores were equivalent between groups. We also discovered that the integrated exams were composed of a significantly greater proportion of questions classified on the higher levels of Bloom's taxonomy and that IE students performed better on these questions overall. USMLE step 1 exam scores were similar between groups. The finding of a significant difference in content complexity between discipline-specific and integrated exams adds to recent literature indicating that there are a number of potential biases related to curricular comparison studies that must be considered. Future investigation involving larger sample sizes and multiple disciplines should be performed to explore this matter further.

scholarly journals Variation in Performance on Common Content Items at UK Medical Schools

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hope ◽  
David Kluth ◽  
Matthew Homer ◽  
Avril Dewar ◽  
Richard Fuller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical School ◽  
Standard Setting ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Pass Rates ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Common Content ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Due to the diverse approaches to medical school assessment, making meaningful cross-school comparisons on knowledge is difficult. Ahead of the introduction of national licensing assessment in the UK, we evaluate schools on “common content” to compare candidates at different schools and evaluate whether they would pass under different standard setting regimes. Such information can then help develop a cross-school consensus on standard setting shared content. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional study in the academic sessions 2016-17 and 2017-18. Sixty “best of five” multiple choice items were delivered each year, with five used in both years. In 2016-17 30 (of 31 eligible) medical schools undertook a mean of 52.6 items with 7,177 participants. In 2017-18 the same 30 medical schools undertook a mean of 52.8 items with 7,165 participants for a full sample of 14,342 medical students sitting common content prior to graduation. Using mean scores, we compared performance across items and carried out a “like-for-like” comparison of schools who used the same set of items then modelled the impact of different passing standards on these schools. Results Schools varied substantially on candidate total score. Schools differed in their performance with large (Cohen’s d around 1) effects. A passing standard that would see 5% of candidates at high scoring schools fail left low-scoring schools with fail rates of up to 40%, whereas a passing standard that would see 5% of candidates at low scoring schools fail would see virtually no candidates from high scoring schools fail. Conclusions Candidates at different schools exhibited significant differences in scores in two separate sittings. Performance varied by enough that standard setting approaches that produce realistic fail rates in one medical school may produce substantially different pass rates in other medical schools – despite identical content and the candidates being governed by the same regulator. Regardless of which hypothetical standards are “correct” as judged by experts, large institutional gaps in pass rates must be explored and understood by medical educators before shared standards are applied. The study results can assist cross-school groups in developing a consensus on standard setting future licensing assessment.

scholarly journals The impact of resilience on burnout syndrome in nursing teachers in high medical schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (82) ◽  
pp. 10-14
Author(s):  
Katarina Pavić ◽  
Dragana Milutinović
Keyword(s):  
Work Experience ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Burnout Syndrome ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Resilience Scale ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nursing Teachers

Introduction: Burnout syndrome is a condition caused by chronic stress at the workplace. Resilience is the ability to cope with the negative situations in life. Purpose: To evaluate the extent of burnout syndrome in nursing teachers at medical high schools and the effect of the level of resilience on burnout syndrome. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study interviewed 101 nursing teachers at four medical schools. Teacher Burnout Scale, The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and socio-demographic questionnaire have been used as instruments of the study. Results: The majority of nursing teachers had moderate symptom of burnout syndrome. The average result on the burnout scale was 56.1. Statistical analyzes showed that there is no statistically significant difference in the manifestation of burnout syndrome in teachers in relation to demographic characteristics (sex, marital status, years of work experience and subjects at medical school). By analysing the results of the two scales, it has been established that there is no statistically significant association between the burnout intensity and the degree of resilience in nursing teachers. Conclusion: The results of the study showed moderate level of burnout in nursing teachers. This may help as an encouragement to develop a strategy for preventing emergence of the burnout syndrome. The results will be useful for further research of burnout syndrome in nursing teachers.

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