scholarly journals Dermatology Residency Applicants’ Concerns Due to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-398
Author(s):  
Kayla Clark ◽  
Virginia Miori ◽  
Virgina Alvarado Jones ◽  
Maria Tsoukas

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruptions to medical education. We hypothesized that these disruptions may affect students applying to competitive residencies such as dermatology. Methods: A 24-question IRB-exempt, online, anonymous survey was distributed to 240 eligible medical students via social media to assess dermatology residency applicants’ concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to collect student-proposed solutions to assist with the virtual application cycle. Eligibility consisted of US MD students applying to dermatology residency in the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 application cycles. Statistical significance was calculated using the Chi-squared procedure, T-test/ANOVA, Mann Whitney test, and Kruskil Wallis tests with post-hoc Tukey and Mann Whitney tests. Results: Of 240 eligible students, 77 students attempted the survey whereas 69 students completed it (response rate 32%, completion rate 89%). Salient findings include students without home dermatology departments (WHD; n=24) who demonstrated concerns about research project changes (p=0.00). Students under-represented in medicine (UIM; n=34) concerned about lack of in-person interviews (p=0.00; p=0.04). MS3 (n=14), concerned about test cost (p=0.00), and effect on test scores because of COVID-19 (p=0.03). WHD and UIM applicants showed concerns about changes in clinical experiences (p=0.03, p= 0.03, respectively). Lastly, WHD, UIM and MS3 expressed concerns about obtaining quality recommendation letters (p=0.00, p=0.04, and p=0.03, respectively). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the various concerns shared by dermatology residency applicants because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The suggested solutions offered by participants in our study can be used to improve processes for candidates in the 2021-2022 residency application cycle.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110633
Author(s):  
Johannah M. Scheurer ◽  
Cynthia Davey ◽  
Anne G. Pereira ◽  
Andrew P. J. Olson

INTRODUCTION Toward a vision of competency-based medical education (CBME) spanning the undergraduate to graduate medical education (GME) continuum, University of Minnesota Medical School (UMMS) developed the Subinternship in Critical Care (SICC) offered across specialties and sites. Explicit course objectives and assessments focus on internship preparedness, emphasizing direct observation of handovers (Core Entrustable Professional Activity, “EPA,” 8) and cross-cover duties (EPA 10). METHODS To evaluate students’ perceptions of the SICC's and other clerkships’ effectiveness toward internship preparedness, all 2016 and 2017 UMMS graduates in GME training ( n = 440) were surveyed regarding skill development and assessment among Core EPAs 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10. Analysis included descriptive statistics plus chi-squared and Kappa agreement tests. RESULTS Respondents ( n = 147, response rate 33%) rated the SICC as a rotation during which they gained most competence among EPAs both more (#4, 57% rated important; #8, 75%; #10, 70%) and less explicit (#6, 53%; #9, 69%) per rotation objectives. Assessments of EPA 8 (80% rated important) and 10 (76%) were frequently perceived as important toward residency preparedness. Agreement between importance of EPA development and assessment was moderate (Kappa = 0.40-0.59, all surveyed EPAs). CONCLUSIONS Graduates’ perceptions support the SICC's educational utility and assessments. Based on this and other insight from the SICC, the authors propose implications toward collectively envisioning the continuum of physician competency.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-100
Author(s):  
Reagan Hattaway ◽  
Nikhi Singh ◽  
Soroush Rais-Bahrami ◽  
Lauren Kole

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a drastic change in the 2020-2021 residency application cycle, limiting how programs interact with applicants. Objective: To describe how dermatology residency programs have adapted by developing social media platforms and virtual opportunities. Methods: A list of participating programs was obtained from the Electronic Residency Application Service. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and websites were reviewed for virtual opportunities. The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS) and the Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) website were reviewed for virtual opportunities. Results: Of the 133 programs, 74 social media accounts were created. Twenty-two programs have Twitter, 27 have Instagram, and 25 have Facebook accounts. Virtual open houses were advertised on 27 program webpages. Eight virtual sub-internships were on VSAS. Eighty virtual meet and greets and 27 virtual electives were advertised on the DIGA website. Limitations: Considering the ongoing application cycle and the growth of social media usage, the numbers presented may not represent the numbers on the date of publication. Conclusion: Dermatology residency programs have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing social media platforms and virtual opportunities. There is an underutilization of social media by programs. Programs are working with the DIGA to distribute information about virtual opportunities.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahanoor Raza ◽  
Sidra Kaleem ◽  
Sonia Qureshi ◽  
Nadeem Aslam ◽  
Akber Madhwani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The emergence of COVID-19 raises the opportunity to reimagine medical education. One way of attempting this is online classes, also known as e-learning, through recordings and or live streaming. The purpose of this research is to ascertain the effectiveness of using the e-learning instructional methodology for a Pediatric module with the fourth year MBBS students at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi. Methods It was a sequential (Quantitative-Qualitative) mixed-method study. The quantitative component of the study consisted of pre and post-tests, as well as feedback on each session. The qualitative component was composed of focused-group discussions to explore students' experiences. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Mean ±SD was reported for quantitative variables, and frequency and percentages were calculated for nominal variables. The pre and post-test scores were compared using a paired t-test. Pre and post mean test scores were analyzed in comparison to the level of student groups (Experts, Semi-experts, and Novice) by one-way ANOVA. For qualitative content analysis, categories were clumped together to yield sub-themes that were further merged into themes.Results All students (n= 102) participated and enrolled in this study. Fifty-nine participants (68.8%) were female. Participants were stratified into three groups, Novice 41(40.2%), Semi-expert 21 (19.6%), and Expert 40 (39.2%). The majority of the students appreciated the session structure and facilitation. There was a significant effect (p<0.005) on knowledge enhancement during each session, depicted by the improvement in post-test scores. It was also supported by the positive association (r=0.242 to 0.595) between the gain in knowledge and each session held. The ANOVA yielded no statistical significance between the knowledge gained among the three group levels, denoting that our online module had been proven successful in achieving the same learning goals as an in-person rotation.Conclusion E-learning is an effective way of continuing the process of delivering medical education, especially in unprecedented times. Technological enhancements will help carry the impact forward as a blended-learning pedagogical approach in undergraduate medical education.


Author(s):  
Alireza Mansouri ◽  
Christopher D. Witiw ◽  
Jetan H. Badhiwala ◽  
Farshad Nassiri ◽  
Patrick J. McDonald ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground: Despite the critical role played by neurosurgeons in performing radiosurgery, neurosurgery residents in Canada have limited exposure to radiosurgery during their training. A survey of neurosurgery residents and faculty along with radiation oncology faculty was conducted to analyze perspectives regarding incorporating formal radiosurgery training into the neurosurgery residency curriculum Methods: An online survey platform was employed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize center and respondent characteristics. Categorical variables were compared using odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The chi-squared test was utilized to assess statistical significance. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant Results: The response rate was 31% (119/381); 87% (102/119) of respondents were from the neurosurgical specialty and 13% (17/119) from radiation oncology. Some 46% of residents (18/40) were “very uncomfortable” with radiosurgery techniques, and 57% of faculty (42/73) believed that dedicated radiosurgery training would be beneficial though impractical. No respondents felt that “no training” would be beneficial. A total of 46% of residents (19/41) felt that this training would be beneficial and that time should be taken away from other rotations, if needed, while 58% of faculty (42/73) and 75% (28/41) of residents believed that either 1 or 1-3 months of time dedicated to training in radiosurgery would suffice Conclusions: Canadian neurosurgeons are actively involved in radiosurgery. Despite residents anticipating a greater role for radiosurgery in their future, they are uncomfortable with the practice. With the indications for radiosurgery expanding, this training gap can have serious adverse consequences for patients. Considerations regarding the incorporation and optimal duration of dedicated radiosurgery training into the Canadian neurosurgery residency curriculum are necessary.


2021 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-139362
Author(s):  
Zizi Yu ◽  
Danna Moustafa ◽  
Ruby Kwak ◽  
Daniel M O'Connor ◽  
Margaret W Cavanaugh-Hussey ◽  
...  

PurposeThe physician voice is crucial to shaping health policy and public health guidelines, particularly during COVID-19. However, there are gaps in health policy and advocacy education within graduate medical education. This study sought to characterise the impact of a virtual COVID-19 focused advocacy day among medical trainees in Massachusetts.Study designThe half-day event featured speakers drawn from government relations experts, physician advocates, and state and federal legislators as well as breakout discussions among attendees. A 25-question Redcap survey and list of resources/opportunities for continued advocacy was administered to all participants at event’s conclusion on 19 May 2020.ResultsThere were 60 responses from 141 participants (43% response rate). One-third reported no prior formal health policy instruction, and over half reported getting information from news publications, social media and peers. 58% believed physician involvement in advocacy to be ‘extremely important’ prior to COVID-19; 83% believed the same after onset of COVID-19 (p<0.0001). The most common barriers to advocacy engagement were lack of time and knowledge. Most attendees felt participation increased their knowledge and likelihood to engage in the COVID-19 response, imparted useful skills/knowledge for continued advocacy, increased their interest in future similar events, and that such events should be available to all trainees.ConclusionsTrainees recognise the importance of health policy and advocacy and value opportunities to gain the necessary skills/knowledge to effect tangible change. Virtual advocacy days can be replicated nationwide to help trainees learn about advocacy efforts and find their legislative voices during COVID-19 and beyond.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohaammed Nadir Bhuiyan ◽  
Jose R Medina-Inojosa ◽  
Ivana Croghan ◽  
Jasmine R Marcelin ◽  
Karthik Ghosh ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED This research study was designed to understand physician awareness and engagement with social media (sometimes referred to as #SoMe) within the digital landscape of healthcare delivery. An audience-response survey focused on social media “Social media in Healthcare: Physician Survey”, was administered during the “A Systematic Approach to Medically Unexplained Symptoms” continuing medical education conference. The Conference took place between August 22, 2019 and August 24, 2019. Data was collected on August 23, 2019. A range of 103 (59.5%) to 112 (64.7%) of the total 173 attendees participated in this cross-sectional audience-response survey, depending on the questions answered. Most responders were between the ages of 35 and 65 years (79.6%) and female (60.2%). A majority of responders were aware of social media terminology (88.7%), and many had used it personally (46.7%), but only 12% knew how to use social media to search medical topics, 18% used it to network professionally and most (68.9%) had a distrust of social media when it came to the protection of their privacy or their patients’ privacy. Overall, about 29.6% indicated an interest in future continued medical education focused on social media (and 27.4% were neutral). Awareness of social media’s role in healthcare has increased among physicians in practice, however their participation and knowledge of opportunities remains limited. Distance from academic institutions and concerns about privacy play the largest roles in the aversion towards professional use of social media.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Garitano ◽  
Manuel Linares ◽  
Laura Santos ◽  
Ruth Gil ◽  
Elena Lapuente ◽  
...  

UNSTRUCTURED On 28th February a case of COVID-19 was declared in Araba-Álava province, Spain. In Spain, a confinement and movement restrictions were established by Spanish Government at 14th March 2020. We implemented a web-based tool to estimate number of cases during the pandemic. We present the results in Áraba-Álava province. We reached a response rate of 10,3% out a 331.549 population. We found that 22,4 % fulfilled the case definition. This tool rendered useful to inform public health action.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 369
Author(s):  
Erika Calvano Küchler ◽  
Caio Luiz Bitencourt Reis ◽  
Guido Marañón-Vásquez ◽  
Paulo Nelson-Filho ◽  
Mírian Aiko Nakane Matsumoto ◽  
...  

In this study we evaluated whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding PTH, VDR, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1 were associated with mandibular retrognathism (MR). Samples from biologically-unrelated Brazilian patients receiving orthodontic treatment were included in this study. Pre-orthodontic lateral cephalograms were used to determine the phenotype. Patients with a retrognathic mandible were selected as cases and those with an orthognathic mandible were selected as controls. Genomic DNA was used for genotyping analysis of SNPs in PTH (rs694, rs6256, and rs307247), VDR (rs7975232), CYP24A1 (rs464653), and CYP27B1 (rs927650). Chi-squared or Fisher’s tests were used to compare genotype and allele distribution among groups. Haplotype analysis was performed for the SNPs in PTH. The established alpha was p < 0.05. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to identify SNP–SNP interactions. A total of 48 (22 males and 26 females) MR and 43 (17 males and 26 females) controls were included. The linear mandibular and the angular measurements were statistically different between MR and controls (p < 0.05). In the genotype and allele distribution analysis, the SNPs rs694, rs307247, and rs464653 were associated with MR (p < 0.05). MDR analyses predicted the best interaction model for MR was rs694–rs927650, followed by rs307247–rs464653–rs927650. Some haplotypes in the PTH gene presented statistical significance. Our results suggest that SNPs in PTH, VDR, CYP24A1, and CYP27B1 genes are associated with the presence of mandibular retrognathism.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Shamoukh Alshahrani ◽  
Abrar Alshuaibi ◽  
Malak Alkhaldi ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the perception and awareness of interdental aids in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted, in order to evaluate the perception and knowledge of patients towards oral hygiene products among the population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In total, 812 out of 1124 participants responded and completed the survey (response rate 72.2%). The data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English and Arabic. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 20 software. p < 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. Results: A total of 812 participants responded, of which 486 participants (60%) declared using a toothpaste and toothbrush for cleaning their teeth. The cohort consisted of 274 (34%) females who brushed twice daily, while 96 (33%) males brushed their teeth once a day and 18% of the participants did not even brush once a day. The results indicated that 332 (64%) female participants and 174 (60%) male participants had perception and knowledge of the use of dental floss or any other device to clean between their teeth, while 174 (48.50%) male participants and 174 (49.10%) female participants cleaned their tongue with the same brush, rather than using a tongue scrubber or any other aids. Conclusion: The total awareness of interdental aids in Saudi Arabia is unsatisfactory, as demonstrated by the participants not being conscious or informed about the maintenance of their oral health. A majority of participants did not report adopting basic techniques, such as tongue brushing. This study reveals that no interdental aids were used by 16% of the participants. Thus, it is crucial to develop an effective educational program which emphasizes oral healthcare in this population.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110244
Author(s):  
Diana S. Jodeh ◽  
Jacqueline M. Ross ◽  
Maria Leszczynska ◽  
Fatima Qamar ◽  
Rachel L. Dawkins ◽  
...  

Objective: We aimed to assess significant ethnic variabilities in infants’ nasolabial anthropometry to motivate variations in surgical correction of a synchronous bilateral cleft lip/nasal anomaly, specifically whether a long columella is a European feature, therefore accepting a short columella and/or delayed columellar lengthening suitable for reconstruction in ethnic patients. Methods: Thirty-three infants without craniofacial pathology (10 African American [AA], 7 Hispanic [H], and 16 of European descent [C]), ages 3 to 8 months, presenting to the Johns Hopkins All Children’s general pediatric clinic were recruited. Four separate 3D photographs (2 submental and frontal views each) were taken using the Vectra H1 handheld camera (Canfield Imaging). Eighteen linear facial distances were measured using Mirror 3D analysis (Canfield Imaging Systems). Difference between ethnicities was measured using analysis of variance with the Bonferroni/Dunn post hoc comparisons. Pearson correlation was employed for interrater reliability. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp), with statistical significance set at P < .05. Results: Nasal projection (sn-prn) and columella length (sn-c) did not differ significantly between groups ( P = .9). Significant differences were seen between ethnic groups in nasal width (sbal-sbal [C-AA; P = .02]; ac-ac [C-AA; P = .00; H-AA; P = .04]; al-al [C-AA; P = .00; H-AA; P = .001]) and labial length (sn-ls [C-AA; P = .041]; sn-sto [C-AA; P = .005]; Cphs-Cphi L [C-AA; P = .013]; Cphs-Cphi R [C-AA; P = .015]). Interrater reliability was good to excellent and significantly correlated for all measures. Conclusions: African American infants exhibited wider noses and longer lips. No difference was noted in nasal projection or columella length, indicating that these structures should be corrected during the primary cleft lip and nasal repair for all patients and should not be deferred to secondary correction.


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