scholarly journals Program Director Perceptions of Subspecialty Tracking in Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 665-670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Hariton ◽  
Taylor S. Freret ◽  
Roni Nitecki ◽  
Emily Hinchcliff ◽  
Amy Stagg

ABSTRACT Background Residency programs have experienced a trend toward decreased work hours and case volumes, negatively affecting the perception of graduating residents' competence. Subspecialty tracks have been proposed to help address these issues. Objective We evaluated the perceptions of obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn) residency program directors (PDs) on subspecialty tracking during training. Methods In 2017, a web-based, anonymous survey with Likert scale and open-ended items was e-mailed to US ob-gyn PDs. Results Of 250 PDs surveyed, 169 (68%) responded. More than half (54%) reported tracking would positively affect training of future ob-gyn physicians; 80% agreed it would increase resident preparedness for fellowship. Nearly half (49%) indicated it should be available for interested residents. However, some respondents expressed concerns this would negatively affect resident training (38%) and could decrease the number of ob-gyn generalists (50%). Most (88%) believed that tracking, if implemented, should not be mandatory, and 84% agreed that a tracking curriculum should be accompanied by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology changes. Only 31% of PDs felt tracking could be successfully implemented in their programs. Barriers to implementation included too few residents to divide into tracks, challenging administrative logistics, and concerns about meeting ACGME case volume requirements. Conclusions PDs have defined but diverse opinions on the implementation of tracking in ob-gyn. Slightly more than half of responding PDs reported tracking would positively affect the training of future ob-gyn physicians, and less than one-third indicated that their program could successfully implement tracking.

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (01) ◽  
pp. e43-e47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Chen ◽  
Elaine Tran ◽  
Melissa Clark ◽  
Ingrid Scott ◽  
Paul Greenberg

Importance Little is known about the perspectives and practices of U.S. ophthalmology residency program directors (PDs) regarding communication between PDs and applicants during the post-interview residency match period. Objective To investigate the preferences and practices of ophthalmology residency PDs regarding post-interview communication between PDs and residency applicants during the residency match period. Design and Setting Web-based anonymous survey. Participants Directors of ophthalmology residency programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Results The response rate was 64% (74/116). The majority (75%; 55/73) of PDs preferred that PDs and residency applicants not communicate during the post-interview period; the main reasons were that such communication was not ethical and not productive. In addition, 62% (46/74) of PDs believed that the Ophthalmology Matching Program should institute a policy of no post-interview communication between applicants and faculty during the residency match period. Conclusion and Relevance The majority of U.S. ophthalmology residency PDs favor instituting a policy of no post-interview communication between applicants and faculty during the residency match period.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. e292-e297
Author(s):  
Michael Woodfin ◽  
Karine D. Bojikian ◽  
Parisa Taravati ◽  
Leona Ding ◽  
Michele D. Lee ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim of this article is to assess the initial impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on ophthalmology resident training and wellness. Design Online national survey of ophthalmology residents distributed by residency program directors and education coordinators of participating programs. Setting US ophthalmology residency programs during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 20th, 2020 to June 10th, 2020). Participants Ophthalmology residents enrolled in the US residency programs currently in postgraduate years two through four of training. Results Two-hundred thirty-six of 785 (30.1%) residents responded to the survey. One-hundred eighteen of 234 (50.4%) residents reported exposure to known COVID-19 positive patients, and of those exposed, 44 of 118 (37.2%) felt that they did not have adequate personal protective equipment. One-hundred ninety-five of 233 (83.7%) residents reported a decrease in primary surgical cases during the pandemic, with 68 (29.2%) reporting a loss of more than 50 primary cases. One-hundred sixty-four of 234 (70.1%) residents were concerned that the pandemic would negatively impact their surgical skills beyond residency, and 15% reported that they were more likely to pursue fellowship due to the pandemic. 31.0% of residents met criteria of burnout, 9.1% were depressed, and 13.4% had generalized anxiety. Concerns about COVID-19 infection were correlated with increased anxiety and burnout during the pandemic. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased resident surgical and clinical volumes and has negatively impacted ophthalmology residency training. Residents with increased concern for contracting COVID-19 and those actively engaged in a job search had significantly higher odds of increased anxiety.


2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (19) ◽  
pp. 1612-1618
Author(s):  
Kristin Cleverdon ◽  
Amber K Fisher ◽  
Barbara Mason ◽  
Elaine Nguyen

Abstract Purpose To assess the recruitment preferences of directors of postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency programs and postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) pharmacy residents seeking PGY2 residency positions, as well as key drivers of preference. Methods Two Web-based questionnaires were administered to residency program directors (RPDs) of PGY2 programs and PGY1 residents, respectively. Participants were recruited via email, and responses were collected from November 27 through December 14, 2018. RPDs and PGY1 residents were surveyed about their preferences regarding participation in the ASHP Resident Matching Program (ASHP Match) and participation in the early commitment process (ECP). Respondents were also asked to rank the importance of prespecified factors in decisions about whether to participate in either the Match or the ECP. Results The RPD questionnaire was completed by 295 participants in 43 states. The majority of RPDs (70.2%) stated that their PGY2 program generally preferred the ECP to the ASHP Match. Regardless of program preference, the most important driver of preference was the current PGY1 resident’s personality and fit. There were 243 completed resident questionnaires from 41 states. The majority of respondents (83.5%) indicated a preference to participate in the ECP vs the ASHP Match. Of those preferring the ECP, the highest-ranked consideration was the opportunity for further development at their PGY1 site. Conclusion Overall, the survey results indicated that both PGY2 programs and PGY1 residents interested in PGY2 training generally prefer the ECP to the ASHP Match. The survey results should be considered by stakeholders (students, residents, and RPDs) in deciding whether to participate in the Match or the ECP process.


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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000313482110111
Author(s):  
Kurun Partap S Oberoi ◽  
Akia D Caine ◽  
Jacob Schwartzman ◽  
Sayeeda Rab ◽  
Amber L Turner ◽  
...  

Background The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residents to receive milestone-based evaluations in key areas. Shortcomings of the traditional evaluation system (TES) are a low completion rate and delay in completion. We hypothesized that adoption of a mobile evaluation system (MES) would increase the number of evaluations completed and improve their timeliness. Methods Traditional evaluations for a general surgery residency program were converted into a web-based form via a widely available, free, and secure application and implemented in August 2017. After 8 months, MES data were analyzed and compared to that of our TES. Results 122 mobile evaluations were completed; 20% were solicited by residents. Introduction of the MES resulted in an increased number of evaluations per resident ( P = .0028) and proportion of faculty completing evaluations ( P = .0220). Timeliness also improved, with 71% of evaluations being completed during one’s clinical rotation. Conclusions A resident-driven MES is an inexpensive and effective method to augment traditional end-of-rotation evaluations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. e171-e174
Author(s):  
Donna H. Kim ◽  
Dongseok Choi ◽  
Thomas S. Hwang

Abstract Objective This article examines models of patient care and supervision for hospital-based ophthalmology consultation in teaching institutions. Design This is a cross-sectional survey. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to residency program directors at 119 Accreditation Council for Graduated Medical Education accredited U.S. ophthalmology programs in the spring of 2018. Survey questions covered consult volume, rotational schedules of staffing providers, methods of supervision (direct vs. indirect), and utilization of consult-dedicated didactics and resident competency assessments. Results Of the 119 program directors, 48 (41%) completed the survey. Programs most frequently reported receiving 4 to 6 consults per day from the emergency department (27, 55.1%) and 4 to 6 consults per day from inpatient services (26, 53.1%). Forty-seven percent of programs reported that postgraduate year one (PGY-1) or PGY-2 residents on a dedicated consult rotation initially evaluate patients. Supervising faculty backgrounds included neuro-ophthalmology, cornea, comprehensive, or a designated chief of service. Staffing responsibility is typically shared by multiple faculty on a daily or weekly rotation. Direct supervision was provided for fewer of emergency room consults (1–30%) than for inpatient consults (71–99%). The majority of programs reported no dedicated didactics for consultation activities (27, 55.1%) or formal assessment for proficiency (33, 67.4%) prior to the initiation of call-related activities without direct supervision. Billing submission for consults was inconsistent and many consults may go financially uncompensated (18, 36.7%). Conclusion The majority of hospital-based ophthalmic consultation at academic centers is provided by a rotating pool of physicians supervising a lower level resident. Few programs validate increased levels of graduated independence using specific assessments.


Author(s):  
Karen Willoughby ◽  
Marie Julien ◽  
Benjamin Rich Zendel ◽  
Vernon Curran

Background: Despite the advantages of having a child as a medical resident, the transition back to residency after parental leave can be challenging. This study is the first to investigate this issue using a nation-wide Canadian sample of both residents and program directors. Method: A questionnaire was developed and made available online. Respondents included 437 female residents, 33 male residents, and 172 residency program directors. The mean length of parental leave was nine months for female residents and six weeks for male residents. Almost all female residents (97.5%) breastfed with an average duration of 12 months. The top challenges reported by residents were feeling guilty for being away from their family, long and unpredictable work hours, sleep deprivation, and finding time to study. When female residents and program directors were matched to both school and program (N = 99 pairs), there was no difference in the total number of challenges reported, but program directors reported offering significantly more accommodations than female residents reported being offered, t(196) = 13.06, p < .001. Results: Our data indicate there is a need for better communication between resident parents and program directors, as well as clear program-specific parental leave policies, particularly for supporting breastfeeding mothers as they return to work.


2020 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-201
Author(s):  
Joshua St. Louis ◽  
Emma Worringer ◽  
Wendy B. Barr

Background and Objectives: As the opioid crisis worsens across the United States, the factors that impact physician training in management of substance use disorders become more relevant. A thorough understanding of these factors is necessary for family medicine residency programs to inform their own residency curricula. The objective of our study was to identify factors that correlate with increased residency training in addiction medicine across a broad sample of family medicine residencies. Methods: We performed secondary analysis of a national family medicine residency program director survey conducted in 2015-2016 (CERA Survey PD-8). We obtained data from the Council of Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) Data Clearinghouse. We analyzed residency clinic site designation as a patient-centered medical home (PCMH), federally-qualified health center (FQHC), or both, for their correlation with faculty member possession of DEA-X buprenorphine waiver license, as well as required residency curriculum in addiction medicine. Results: Residency programs situated in an FQHC were more likely to have faculty members who possessed DEA-X buprenorphine waiver licenses (P=.025). Residency clinics that were both a PCMH as well as an FQHC also correlated strongly (P=.001). Furthermore, residencies with faculty who possessed a DEA-X license were significantly more likely to have a required curriculum in addiction medicine (P=.002). Conclusions: Our quantitative secondary analysis of CERA survey data of family medicine residency program directors revealed that resident training in addiction medicine is strongly correlated with both residency clinic setting (FQHC or FQHC/PCMH) as well as residency faculty possession of DEA-X licenses.


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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
AnnaMarie Connolly ◽  
Alice Goepfert ◽  
Anita Blanchard ◽  
Elizabeth Buys ◽  
Nicole Donnellan ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background  Few tools currently exist for effective, accessible delivery of real-time, workplace feedback in the clinical setting. Objective  We developed and implemented a real-time, web-based tool for performance-based feedback in the clinical environment. Methods  The tool (myTIPreport) was designed for performance-based feedback to learners on the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Milestones and procedural skills. “TIP” stands for “Training for Independent Practice.” We implemented myTIPreport in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) programs between November 2014 and May 2015. Residents, fellows, teachers, and program directors completed preimplementation and postimplementation surveys on their perceptions of feedback. Results  Preimplementation surveys were completed by 656 participants of a total of 980 learners and teachers in 19 programs (12 Ob-Gyn and 7 FPMRS). This represented 72% (273 of 378) of learners and 64% (383 of 602) of teachers. Seventy percent of participants (381 of 546) reported having their own individual processes for real-time feedback; the majority (79%, 340 of 430) described these processes as informal discussions. Over 6 months, one-third of teachers and two-thirds of learners used the myTIPreport tool a total of 4311 times. Milestone feedback was recorded 944 times, and procedural feedback was recorded 3367 times. Feedback addressed all ACGME Milestones and procedures programmed into myTIPreport. Most program directors reported that tool implementation was successful. Conclusions  The majority of learners successfully received workplace feedback using myTIPreport. This web-based tool, incorporating procedures and ACGME Milestones, may be an important transition from other feedback formats.


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