A Four-Week Otolaryngology Virtual Educational Curriculum for Prospective Applicants

2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132110523
Author(s):  
Jaclyn Lee ◽  
Madelyn N. Stevens ◽  
Kelly C. Landeen ◽  
Brittany E. Lipscomb ◽  
Amy S. Whigham

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a suspension of visiting student rotations across the United States. For senior medical students applying into surgical subspecialties, such as otolaryngology, these away rotations serve a vital role in the residency application process. Prior to the pandemic, there was not a virtual alternative to in-person visiting student rotations for applicants. We developed a replicable and expandable program focused on helping prospective otolaryngology applicants (fourth-year medical students) gain exposure to the experiences typically offered via in-person rotations. The goal was to improve otolaryngology-specific knowledge and to help applicants demonstrate specific program interest, without the financial and logistical challenges associated with in-person away rotations.

NeuroSci ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-333
Author(s):  
Roxanna M. Garcia ◽  
Rebecca A. Reynolds ◽  
Hannah K. Weiss ◽  
Nathan A. Shlobin ◽  
Lola B. Chambless ◽  
...  

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly disrupted medical education and the residency application process. Methods: We conducted a descriptive observational study in April 2020 of medical students and foreign medical graduates considering or pursuing careers in neurosurgery in the United States to examine the impact of the pandemic. Results: A total of 379 respondents from 67 medical schools completed the survey. Across all participants, 92% (n = 347) stopped in-person didactic education, and 43% (n = 161) experienced basic science and 44% (n = 167) clinical research delays. Sixty percent (n = 227) cited a negative impact on academic productivity. Among first year students, 18% (n = 17) were less likely to pursue a career in neurosurgery. Over half of second year and third year students were likely to delay taking the United States Medical Licensing Examination Steps I and II. Among third year students, 77% (n = 91) reported indefinite postponement of sub-internships, and 43% (n = 53) were unsatisfied with communication from external programs. Many fourth-year students (50%, n = 17) were graduating early to participate in COVID-19-related patient care. Top student-requested support activities included access to student-focused educational webinars and sessions at upcoming conferences. Conclusions: Medical students pursuing careers in neurosurgery faced unique academic, career, and personal challenges secondary to the pandemic. These challenges may become opportunities for new initiatives guided by professional organizations and residency programs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215145932095172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle A. Richardson ◽  
Wasif Islam ◽  
Matthew Magruder

Introduction: The world-wide lockdown caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has upended the trajectories of lives everywhere. The medical profession has been on the front lines of this rapidly developing situation, which in turn has called for unprecedented changes in the medical school curriculum. These changes have severe implications for medical students interested in applying to competitive surgical specialties like orthopedics. Methods: As medical students in 3 different class years pursuing orthopedic surgery, we provide our perspectives on the impact that COVID-19 has had on medical student orthopedic education. Results: With the removal of away rotations and a shift to virtual interviews, rising fourth year medical students are arguably the most impacted as they prepare for the orthopedic residency application process. Third year students, who are in the exploratory phase of choosing a specialty, also face uncertainties in the shift to a “new” clerkship experience that may (1) be of shorter duration, (2) implement shifts to limit overcrowding of clinical space, and (3) increase the use of telehealth over direct patient contact. Discussion: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the course of medical students’ orthopedic education in unprecedented ways. We believe the following suggestions may be helpful for students seeking alternative, supplemental ways of learning: (1) read up on major orthopedic journals, (2) reach out to orthopedic surgeons in areas of interest, (3) reach out to program directors/medical clerkship directors/program coordinators for opportunities to attend their educational curriculum virtually, (4) attend online lectures and hospital grand rounds, and (5) practice suturing technique with a practice kit. Conclusions: While the medical education landscape remains uncertain amid the evolving conditions of COVID-19, as medical students we strive to learn from this pandemic and respond to future unforeseen challenges with resilience, dedication, and compassion: all qualities we admire in orthopedic surgeons.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Benjamin Matthew Wooster ◽  
Samuel Evan Carstensen ◽  
James E Johnson ◽  
Allston Julius Stubbs

ABSTRACT Musculoskeletal education in medical schools throughout the United States is inconsistent. Furthermore, formal surgical skill training in medical school is often lacking. Consequently, orthopaedic surgery residents in the United States are faced with a unique challenge as they transition from medical student to house officer in comparison to their peers pursuing more generalized specialties. In response, we designed and successfully implemented an innovative month long elective at Wake Forest University School of Medicine for fourth year medical students who were in the process of applying to ortho paedic surgery residency programs. This course provides medical students with an introduction to the basic skills and common surgical approaches that are commonly utilized early in orthopaedic surgery residency and beyond. While longi tudinal data are needed, we believe this novel month long elective will allow the transition from medical student to house officer to be a smoother and more seamless process. Wooster BM, Carstensen SE, Johnson JE, Stubbs AJ. Model Orthopaedic Surgical Skills Curriculum for Fourth Year Medical Students. The Duke Orthop J 2015;5(1):15. All other authors report no declarations of interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-265
Author(s):  
Karen E. George ◽  
Gregory M. Gressel ◽  
Tony Ogburn ◽  
Mark B. Woodland ◽  
Erika Banks

ABSTRACT Background Residency applications have increased in the last decade, creating growing challenges for applicants and programs. Objective We evaluated factors associated with application and match into obstetrics and gynecology residency. Methods During the annual in-training examination administered to all obstetrics and gynecology residents in the United States, residents were surveyed on the residency application process. Results Ninety-five percent (5094 of 5347) residents responded to the survey. Thirty-six percent reported applying to 30 or fewer programs, 26.7% applied to more than 31 programs, and 37.1% opted not to answer this question. Forty-nine percent of residents received honors in their obstetrics and gynecology clerkship and 37.1% did not. The majority of residents (88.6%) reported scoring between 200 and 250 on USMLE Step 1. Eighty-six percent matched into one of their top 5 programs. The only factor associated with matching in residents' top 5 programs was receiving honors in their clerkship (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08–1.54; P < .005). The only factor associated with matching below the top 5 programs was a couples match (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.43–0.72; P < .001). In choosing where to apply, residents identified program location and reputation as the most important factors, while for ranking, location and residency culture were the most important. Conclusions Most obstetrics and gynecology residents reported matching into their top 5 choices. Receiving an honors grade in the clerkship was the only factor associated with matching in applicants' top 5 programs. Location was the most important factor for applying to and ranking of programs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-113
Author(s):  
Thomas N. Steele ◽  
Laura Galarza-Paez ◽  
Gabriela Aguilo-Seara ◽  
Lisa R. David

Background Applicants to integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) residency in the United States spend exorbitant amounts of time and money throughout the interview process. Outside of first-hand experience through a visiting rotation, applicants utilize various resources in learning about a program. Today’s applicants are “Millennials,” the demographic cohort raised during the information age and proficient with digital technology. The authors evaluated whether programs have a presence on social media, and whether applicants are following these accounts.Methods An online survey was sent to applicants to a single integrated plastic surgery program evaluating basic demographics, social media utilization, and sources of information accessed throughout the residency application process. A manual search of popular social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) was performed in October 2019. Accounts affiliated with integrated PRS programs were identified and analyzed.Results Eighty-four of 222 applicants (37.8%) completed the survey. Ninety-six percent of applicants were within the Millennial demographic. Ninety-six percent of applicants had some form of social media presence, with Facebook (90%) and Instagram (87%) being the most popular platforms. Seventy-three percent of applicants reported following a PRS residency social media account. As of October 2019, 59 integrated residency programs (73%) have active Instagram accounts.Conclusions Applicants still rely on the program website when researching potential residencies, but social media is being rapidly adopted by programs. Program social media accounts should be used as a dynamic form of communication to better inform applicants of program strengths and weaknesses.


International medical graduates (IMGs) are graduates of medical schools located outside the United States (U.S.) and Canada. IMGs face various challenges on the road to U.S. residency training. These challenges include sitting for the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLEs) to obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). After that, IMGs are faced with a foreign application process whereby they must apply for and secure a position in a residency program through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Once accepted into a residency program, IMGs who are not US citizens or legal permanent residents are challenged with securing a visa to be able to practice in the U.S. In this article, we elaborate on these processes and highlight the challenges IMGs may face along the way.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110157
Author(s):  
Janice L. Farlow ◽  
Jenna Devare ◽  
Susan E. Ellsperman ◽  
Catherine T. Haring ◽  
Molly E. Heft Neal ◽  
...  

Objective: To create a longitudinal near-peer mentorship program for medical students applying to otolaryngology. Methods: A program for longitudinal near-peer mentorship was designed based on a needs analysis of senior medical students. Program objectives were to (1) provide didactic education on common otolaryngology consults, (2) facilitate resident-student networking, and (3) enable applicants to meet other students. Senior otolaryngology residents were matched with medical students from across the United States applying to otolaryngology for a series of online small group meetings. Sessions included resident-designed didactics covering high-yield clinical scenarios and a mentorship component focused on transition to residency topics. Program evaluation included anonymized pre- and post-tests for each didactic session and an anonymous post-program participant survey. Results: There were 40 student participants from across the United States, with an average attendance of 73% of sessions per participant. Performance on didactic testing improved for 2 of the 3 sessions. Participants stated they would be very likely to recommend each session to another student in the future (4.96/5.00, obs = 155). Participants stated the most valuable part of the program was interacting with residents (82% of responses), transition to residency advice (28%), and learning about otolaryngology consults (28%). Suggestions for improvement included expanding content, increasing the number of sessions, and involving additional faculty and residents. Conclusion: A longitudinal virtual experience can be valuable for near-peer mentorship for medical students applying to otolaryngology.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 361-368
Author(s):  
Stephanie Jean Kohl

Caught between abusive partners and restrictive immigration law, many undocumented Latina women are vulnerable to domestic violence in the United States. This article analyzes the U-Visa application process experienced by undocumented immigrant victims of domestic violence and their legal advisors in a suburb of Chicago, United States. Drawing on theoretical concepts of structural violence and biological citizenship, the article highlights the strategic use of psychological suffering related to domestic violence by applicants for such visas. It also investigates the complex intersection between immigration law and a humanitarian clause that creates a path towards legal status and eventual citizenship.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (01) ◽  
pp. e73-e77
Author(s):  
Benjamin Steren ◽  
Ankur Parikh ◽  
Bilal Ahmed ◽  
Benjamin Young ◽  
Jayanth Sridhar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on medical education, particularly for those applying to residency programs in 2020 to 2021. This study describes the challenges for potential ophthalmology residency applicants so that residency leadership can make informed decisions about changes to the process. Methods A survey was distributed electronically via social media and medical school ophthalmology interest groups from June 18, 2020 to July 2, 2020 to individuals interested in applying to ophthalmology residency in the United States. Survey questions included demographics and perceived impacts of COVID-19 on ability, confidence, intention to apply, and perceptions toward changes in the application process for the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology residency application cycle. Results One-hundred sixteen total responses were received. Eighty-six responses (74%) were from individuals intending to apply in the 2020 to 2021 application cycle. Most respondents (86%) felt that their application would be affected by COVID-19 with 51% feeling less confident. Only four (5%) felt that they could adequately compile a rank list following a video interview, and over half (51%) anticipated applying to more programs than they originally intended. Academic plans of seven (8%) respondents were significantly altered via deferral of application or cancellation of a research year. Thirty-nine (45%) students reported delayed ophthalmology electives, with less than half (41%) feeling that they had adequate clinical exposure to be prepared for residency. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the 2020 to 2021 ophthalmology residency application cycle. As stakeholders begin to approach this cycle, these findings will help them make effective and informed decisions to create the best overall experience for all involved.


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