Abstract
Background: The lack of comfort with core genetic and genomic competencies among medical trainees and physicians is a barrier to the implementation of precision medicine. To address this, we developed short online modules to promote genetic competencies for use post-graduate medical education. Methods: The educational toolkit was delivered as short online podcasts accompanied by slides. Each core module is approximately 15-20 minutes, and covered basic genetics, genetic testing, counselling and consenting, and interpreting and delivering results. These were supplemented by case-based modules on cancer genetics, prenatal genetics and cardiogenetics. The modules had pre- and post-test multiple choice questions pertaining to genetic and genomic competencies, attitudes towards precision medicine, and perceived competence. Results: Based on the pre- and post-test data, residents reported a discordance between how often they cared for patients with genetic disorders and their level of confidence with core genetic competencies. Post-module evaluations demonstrated a significant increase in confidence in interpreting a microarray, and basic genetics knowledge.Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that podcast modules are an innovative method to promote genetic and genomic competencies to postgraduate medical trainees. Limitations to our study included a small sample size, and further work is needed identify and address barriers to implementation. We suggest that integration at the post-graduate medical education level will be crucial to further promoting the development of precision medicine competencies in medical trainees and physicians.
Allyship in Residency: An Introductory Module on Medical Allyship for Graduate Medical Trainees
