Project description:BackgroundIn the United States (US), many obstetrics & gynecology (OB-GYN) trainees feel unprepared to care for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals, but interest in this topic is rising. Residency program websites are one way that directors can advertise whether this training is offered within their program. We aimed to describe the extent to which LGBTQI content is currently featured on OB-GYN residency websites across the country.MethodsWe identified all OB-GYN residency programs in the United States using a publicly available database. We systematically searched for select LGBTQI keywords on program websites. We collected data on mentions of LGBTQI didactics and rotations. We also searched whether LGTBQI keywords were included in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statements. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare the characteristics of programs that do and do not include this content. We used STATA SE Version 16.0 for all analyses and set the level of significance at 5%.ResultsWe included 287/295 US OB-GYN residency programs in our analysis (97.3%) and excluded 8 that did not have websites. We identified any LGBTQI content on 50 program websites (17.4%), and specific mention of didactics or rotations on 8 websites (2.8%). On multivariable analysis, programs in the West were more likely to include any LGBTQI content compared to programs in the South (OR 2.81, 95%CI 1.04-7.63), as were programs with 1 or 2 fellowships (OR 3.41, 95%CI 1.43-8.14) or 3 or more fellowships (OR 4.85, 95%CI 2.03-11.57) compared to those without fellowships. Programs in departments led by female chairs were also more likely to include LBTQI content (OR 3.18, 95%CI 1.55-6.51).ConclusionsAcademic programs, West Coast programs, and those with departments led by female chairs are more likely to mention LGBTQI keywords on their websites. Given the increasing interest in LGBTQI education for OB-GYN trainees, program directors should consider providing training opportunities and including this content on their websites.
Project description:Academic medicine has faced an alarming decline in recent years necessitating the realisation of an integrated academic training pathway. This initiative has enabled many graduates to enter a structured academic training environment potentially leading to the award of a higher degree. A period of out of programme research or experience remains popular with trainees in gastroenterology, with up to 20% of trainees undertaking this at any one time. Most trainees believe that possessing a higher degree leads to improved job aspects. However, it is our belief that undertaking a higher degree leads to a global enhancement of gastroenterological training. Firstly, undertaking a higher degree facilitates the development of a myriad of personal and professional skills ranging from communication, research, scientific, critical thinking, problem solving to time and project management. These multifaceted transferrable skills are as applicable to the bedside as to the bench and in our belief are highly desirable with potential employers. Secondly, the acquisition of a higher degree allows the trainee to develop a subspecialty interest and a network of contacts, both national and international, within one's chosen field. Finally, we argue that the addition of time in research to the training period allows personal and professional maturation hitherto less easily achieved in the standard training period of 5 years. Overall, pursuing a higher degree in gastroenterology is a pursuit of excellence, something we should all strive for.
Project description:OBJECTIVES:To assess whether a journal club model could improve comprehension and written and spoken medical English in a population of Chinese medical professionals. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS:The study population consisted of 52 medical professionals who were residents or postgraduate master or PhD students in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, China. INTERVENTION:After a three-part baseline examination to assess medical English comprehension, participants were randomised to either (1) an intensive journal club treatment arm or (2) a self-study group. At the conclusion of the 8-week intervention participants (n=52) were re-tested with new questions. OUTCOME MEASURES:The primary outcome was the change in score on a multiple choice examination. Secondary outcomes included change in scores on written and oral examinations which were modelled on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). RESULTS:Both groups had improved scores on the multiple choice examination without a statistically significant difference between them (90% power). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in mean improvement in scores for both written (95% CI 1.1 to 5.0; p=0.003) and spoken English (95% CI 0.06 to 3.7; p=0.04) favouring the journal club intervention. CONCLUSIONS:Interacting with colleagues and an English-speaking facilitator in a journal club improved both written and spoken medical English in Chinese medical professionals. Journal clubs may be suitable for use as a self-sustainable teaching model to improve fluency in medical English in foreign medical professionals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:NCT01844609.
Project description:BackgroundTravel restrictions amidst the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped interviewing for fellowships into a predominantly virtual process. How this impacts Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) resident approaches to fellowship application and Match navigation is largely unknown.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional survey study of fourth year OB/GYN residents in the United States who participated in at least one virtual fellowship interview in 2020. We collected information regarding demographics, application strategy, perceived strengths and weaknesses of virtual interviews, and confidence with rank list creation. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical variables and responses pre- and post-Match were compared using Fisher's exact test.ResultsSeventy-five out of an estimated 490 applicants (~ 15% response rate) completed the survey. Of the respondents, 65.3% felt they interviewed at more programs virtually than they would anticipate completing in person, but perceived less confidence in having the necessary information (n = 45, 60%) or understanding the culture of programs (n = 59, 78.7%) to create a rank list. Cost savings were the main benefit of virtual interviews (n = 50, 66.7%), and inability to get a true "feel" for a program was the biggest limitation (n = 43, 57.3%). A majority (46.7%) advocate for a future hybrid interview process.ConclusionsOB/GYN residents pursuing fellowship reported interviewing at more programs during the virtual season, but had less confidence with rank list creation. Cost savings benefits are weighed against difficulty getting a "feel" for programs virtually. Most would advocate for a future hybrid interview process.
Project description:IntroductionOperating room experience alone is insufficient for surgical training. In the current era of graduate medical education, work hour restrictions and the expectations of patients and the public limit residents' ability to participate in surgical cases. We aimed to create a laparoscopy curriculum for gynecology residents that teaches the fundamentals of laparoscopy utilizing self-learning modules complemented by skill-focused and faculty-guided laboratories to maximize learning time outside of the operating room.MethodsThe curriculum consists of five electronic modules on the basics of laparoscopy. Residents are expected to complete these on their own. In addition, quarterly simulation labs are taught by faculty and allow residents to practice, with guidance, key skills as derived from a previously published laparoscopic surgery skills curriculum. Residents are then evaluated using an objective structured assessment of technical skill comprised of the Global Rating Scale of Operative Performance and time metrics for each skill. We also evaluate resident confidence and satisfaction.ResultsIn our initial year, residents' confidence regarding laparoscopy ability and satisfaction in training did demonstrate improvement. With concentrated practice, residents' observed skills also showed advancement. Furthermore, the implementation of the curriculum was feasible with reasonable cost and limited resident and faculty time.DiscussionWhile simulation is well accepted as a modality for teaching surgery, its implementation is often limited due to concerns for time and money. Our experience illustrates that simulation is an effective teaching tool for residents without becoming a burden on a department.
Project description:BackgroundThe evolving landscape of application processes for obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants poses many challenges for applicants and advisors. The lack of data coordination among national groups creates crucial gaps in information for stakeholder groups.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the current state of the advising milieu for obstetrics and gynecology residency applicants and their career advisors, the annual Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics survey focused on US clerkship directors' experiences advising students through these processes.Study designA 23-item anonymous survey was developed that asked respondents about demographics and outcomes for the students that they advised through the 2021 application process and their experiences with dual applicants and students not matching. The survey was sent electronically to all obstetrics and gynecology clerkship directors with active Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics memberships in April 2021.ResultsOf 224 total clerkship directors, 143 (63.8%) responded to the survey, Of the 143 respondents, almost all (136 [95.1%]) served as career advisors, and 50 (35.0%) were aware of students dual applying. Furthermore, obstetrics and gynecology was rarely the backup to a more competitive specialty. For the 2021 application cycle, 79 of 143 respondents (55.2%) reported having students not successfully match into obstetrics and gynecology, with "academic concerns" followed by "poor communication skills" as the primary reasons cited for students not matching.ConclusionThis snapshot of clerkship directors' experiences advising students in the residency application process reveals notably high rates of dual applicants and students not matching into obstetrics and gynecology. This work fills key gaps in our knowledge of current processes and highlights the importance of career advising at multiple points during the application process.