Project description:IntroductionOur objective is to evaluate the factors important to osteopathic applicants when selecting an American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians accredited emergency medicine (EM) residency and to compare these results with previous allopathic EM studies.MethodsWe gave osteopathic applicants a survey during interview season to be filled out anonymously at the end of their interview day. This survey included 18 factors which the applicants were asked to rank between 1 ("not very important") to 4 ("very important"). We then compared results to prior results of the same survey.ResultsForty applicants (67%) out of 60 completed the survey. From these individuals, we noticed differences in the top factors listed by the applicants when compared to allopathic interviewees, the most notable being the unimportance of geographic location of the program to osteopathic applicants as manifested by osteopathic student average score of 2.8 (standard deviation 0.75) verses allopathic student average of 3.6 (standard deviation 0.06).ConclusionOf the top 5 factors listed by the applicants, only 1 (AOA-approved residency) is an objective factor that the program has a role in controlling. The remainder are mainly subjective factors based on applicant's perceptions of the program.
Project description:Background Virtual interviews may limit an applicant's ability to ascertain the culture of a training program. No-stakes campus visits (NSCVs) have been offered but their value is unknown. Objective The purpose of our study was to determine factors that influence applicants' rank lists and determine barriers to and perceptions of NSCVs and their impact on applicants' final rank lists. Methods All interviewed applicants of graduate medical education (GME) programs who agreed to participate in the study were emailed a survey after the 2023 National Resident Matching Program Match. The survey contained sections on demographics, perspectives on factors affecting ranking decisions, and perceptions of NSCVs. Results Of 796 applicants, 183 (22.9%) who interviewed at 16 different Mayo Clinic GME programs responded to the survey. Of 131 respondents who answered whether they accepted an NSCV offer, 39 (29.8%) accepted. Of 35 respondents who answered whether they thought attending NSCVs impacted their rank, 19 (54.3%) were either uncertain or said yes. Of 34 respondents who answered whether the NSCV influenced their ranking of the program, 16 (47.1%) said their rank did not change, 12 (35.3%) said they ranked the program higher, and 5 (14.7%) said they ranked the program lower. For respondents who did not attend NSCVs, financial burden and lack of time were primary reasons. Conclusions NSCVs are perceived positively by most respondents. Many either believed they influenced their position on the program's rank list or were unsure. Most respondents said NSCVs either improved or did not change their ranking of the program.
Project description:Despite guidelines for pathology undergraduate medical education set forth by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Association, Liaison Committee on Medical Education, and Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, there is sparse literature regarding differences in pathology curricula between allopathic and osteopathic institutions. As programs alter curricula to adapt to the ever-increasing breadth and depth of medical knowledge, there is concern for lost educational opportunities in pathology and a growing need for research on the landscape of pathology undergraduate medical education in medical schools nationwide. An Institutional Review Board approved, voluntary 22-item survey regarding pathology curricula was distributed to allopathic and osteopathic medical school students at Michigan State University from July 2022 to January 2023. The total number of responses was 363 (n = 363; 22.6% allopathic, 77.4% osteopathic). We present data on pathology education at a university that features both an allopathic and osteopathic college of medicine while focusing on factors that influence medical students' perceptions of pathology. Statistically significant differences (P≤0.05) in responses-favoring Michigan State University osteopathic students over their allopathic counterparts-were observed in several areas: the perception of pathology as a medical versus surgical specialty (P 0.014), acknowledgement of a dedicated pathology course (P 0.002), and awareness of pathology-specific content (P < 0.001). Allopathic students expressed a greater desire for pathology exposure (P 0.003). This study highlights the variable exposure of pathology between two different curriculums and suggests that, while traditionally primary-care-focused, osteopathic medical programs may offer stronger pathology education and exposure.
Project description:BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the advising and emergency medicine (EM) residency selection practices for special population applicant groups for whom traditional advice may not apply.MethodsA survey was distributed on the Council of Residency Directors in EM and Clerkship Directors in EM Academy listservs. Multiple choice, Likert-type scale, and fill-in-the-blank questions addressed the average EM applicant and special population groups (osteopathic; international medical graduate (IMG); couples; at-risk; re-applicant; dual-accreditation applicant; and military). Percentages and 95% confidence intervals [CI] were calculated.ResultsOne hundred four surveys were completed. Of respondents involved in the interview process, 2 or more standardized letters of evaluation (SLOEs) were recommended for osteopathic (90.1% [95% CI 84-96]), IMG (82.5% [73-92]), dual-accreditation (46% [19-73]), and average applicants (48.5% [39-58]). Recommendations for numbers of residency applications to submit were 21-30 (50.5% [40.7-60.3]) for the average applicant, 31-40 (41.6% [31.3-51.8]) for osteopathic, and > 50 (50.9% [37.5-64.4]) for IMG. For below-average Step 1 performance, 56.0% [46.3-65.7] were more likely to interview with an average Step 2 score. 88.1% [81.8-94.4] will consider matching an EM-EM couple. The majority were more likely to interview a military applicant with similar competitiveness to a traditional applicant. Respondents felt the best option for re-applicants was to pursue the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) for a preliminary residency position.ConclusionAdvising and residency selection practices for special population applicants differ from those of traditional EM applicants. These data serve as an important foundation for advising these distinct applicant groups in ways that were previously only speculative. While respondents agree on many advising recommendations, outliers exist.
Project description:BackgroundEmergency medicine (EM) applicants are encouraged to consider their own "competitiveness" when deciding on the number of applications to submit. Program directors rank the Standardized Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) as the most important factor when reviewing an applicant. Accurate insight into how clinical performance is reflected on the SLOE could improve medical students' ability to gauge their own competitiveness.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the accuracy of students' self-assessment by SLOE evaluation measures when compared to the SLOE completed by faculty after their EM clerkship.MethodsParticipants of this multicenter study included fourth-year medical students who had completed their EM clerkship and were applying to EM residency. Students completed a modified SLOE to reflect rankings they believed they would receive on their official SLOE. Additionally, students completed a survey assessing their knowledge of the SLOE, their perception of feedback during the clerkship, and their self-perceived competitiveness as an EM applicant. Correlation between the rankings on the student-completed SLOE and the official SLOE was analyzed using the Kendall correlation.ResultsOf the 49 eligible students, 42 (85.7%) completed the study. The correlation between scores on the student-completed and official SLOE were significantly low (r < 0.68) for each item. The majority of students agreed that they were satisfied by the quantity and quality of feedback they received (31/42, 73.8%). Few students agreed that they knew how many applications to submit to ensure a match in EM (7/42, 16.7%).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that students did not accurately predict their rankings on the official SLOE at the end of an EM rotation and had little insight into their competitiveness as an applicant. These findings highlight opportunities to mitigate the burden on students and programs caused by the increasing number of applications per applicant. Further research is needed as to whether strategies to increase insight into competitiveness are effective.
Project description: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.
Project description:Medical school-based pathology departments were surveyed in order to evaluate their relationship with sites providing forensic pathology training. Of 59 departments surveyed, 49 (83%) responded. Most (88%) respondents indicated that training occurs at an affiliated medical examiner/coroner office, and 78% indicated that the facility is 10 miles or less from the academic health center. The majority (61%) of respondents require 4 weeks of forensic pathology training for their residents while the others require none (3); 6, 8, or 12 weeks (2 each); and 16 weeks (3, with two having integrated forensic and medical autopsies). The majority (81%) send one resident at a time to the forensic pathology training site, and almost always (92%) the experience is dedicated to forensic pathology without mixing with other training. Two-thirds of respondents send between 1 and 5 residents per year for training. Prior autopsy experience is required by 79% of departments. Medical student rotations in forensic pathology are available to 86% of reporting departments. Almost 3 quarters of respondents indicated that a forensic pathology fellowship is available through the training site with 83% being funded by the training site. About half of departments indicated that they provide some financial support to the site. Of reporting departments, 71% indicated that they give faculty appointments to forensic pathologists at the training site, with 3 quarters being voluntary appointments. Affiliated forensic pathology training sites are a valuable asset although 6 respondents report offering such training either totally or partially within the pathology department itself.
Project description:IntroductionAlthough emergency medicine (EM) residency program directors (PD) have multiple sources to evaluate each applicant, some programs await the release of the medical student performance evaluation (MSPE) to extend interview offers. While prior studies have demonstrated that MSPE content is variable and selectively positive, no prior work has evaluated the impact of the MSPE on the likelihood to invite (LTI) applicants for a residency interview. This study aimed to evaluate how information in the MSPE impacted LTI, with the hypothesis that changes in LTI would be relatively rare based on MSPE review alone.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational study analyzing applications to three EM residency programs during the 2019-2020 match cycle. Reviewers assessed applications and rated the LTI on a five-point Likert scale where LTI was defined as follows: 1 = definitely no; 2 = probably no; 3 = unsure; 4 = probably yes; and 5 = definitely yes. The LTI was recorded before and after MSPE review. A change in LTI was considered meaningful when it changed the overall trajectory of the applicant's likelihood to receive an invitation to interview.ResultsWe reviewed a total of 877 applications with the LTI changing ≥1 point on the Likert scale 160 (18.2%) times. The LTI was meaningfully impacted in a minority of applications - 48 total (5.5 %, p< 0.01) - with only 1 (0.11%) application changing from 1 or 2 (definitely/probably no) to 4 or 5 (probably/definitely yes) and 34 (3.8%) changing from 3 (unsure) to 4 or 5 (probably/definitely yes). Thirteen (1.5%) applications changed from 4 or 5 (probably/definitely yes) to 3 (unsure or probably/definitely no).ConclusionReview of the MSPE resulted in a meaningful change in LTI in only 5.5% of applications. Given the time required for program leadership to review all parts of the variably formatted MSPEs, this finding supports a more efficient application review, where the PD's focus is on succinct and objective aspects of the application, such as the Standardized Letter of Evaluation.
Project description:BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in disruptions to medical school training and the transition to residency for new post-graduate year 1 resident-physicians (PGY1s). Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the perspectives of United States PGY1s regarding the impact of the pandemic on these experiences. Our secondary aims were to understand how desire to practice medicine was impacted by the pandemic and whether PGY1s felt that they were able to meaningfully contribute to the COVID-19 response as students.MethodWe conducted a national, cross-sectional study of PGY1s who had recently graduated from medical school in 2020. A survey was distributed to PGY1s from across specialties, in programs distributed throughout the United States. It included questions about medical school training during the pandemic, impact on graduation timing and transition to internship, concerns about caring for patients with COVID-19, desire to practice medicine, and ability to meaningfully contribute to the pandemic. Findings are presented using descriptive statistics and univariate logistic regression models.Results1980 PGY1s consented to participate, 1463 completed the survey (74%), and 713 met criteria for this analysis. 77% of PGY1s reported that the pandemic adversely affected their connection with their medical school communities, and 58% reported that the pandemic impeded their preparation for intern year. 4% of PGY1s reported graduating medical school and practicing as an intern earlier than their expected graduation date. While the majority of PGY1s did not have a change in desire to practice medicine, PGY1s with concerns regarding personal health or medical conditions (OR 4.92 [95% CI 3.20-7.55] p < 0.0001), the health or medical conditions of others in the home (OR 4.41 [2.87-6.77], p < 0.0001]), and PGY1s with children (OR 2.37 [1.23-4.58], p < 0.0001) were more likely to report a decreased desire.ConclusionsThe COVID pandemic disrupted the social connectedness and educational experiences of a majority of PGY1 residents in a sample of trainees in United States training programs. Those with health concerns and children had particularly challenging experiences. As the current and subsequent classes of PGY1s affected by COVID-19 proceed in their training, ongoing attention should be focused on their training needs, competencies, and well-being.
Project description:BackgroundLeadership has been recognized as an important competency in medicine. Nevertheless, leadership curricula for Canadian medical students lacks standardization and may not be informed by medical students' perspectives of physician leadership. The purpose of this study was to elicit these perspectives on physician leadership.MethodsThe present study utilized semi-structured interviews to ascertain the views of medical student participants, including students in their first, second and third years of medical school, on physician leadership. Interview questions were based on 'the 3-C model' of physician leadership, which includes three aspects of leadership, namely character, competence and commitment. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and then coded using thematic analysis.ResultsThe medical students of this study provided rich examples of resident and staff physicians demonstrating effective and ineffective leadership. The participants identified the importance of character to effective physician leadership, but some participants also described a feeling of disconnect with the relevance of character at their stage of training. When discussing physician competence, medical students described the importance of both medical expertise and transferable skills. Lastly, the leadership aspect of commitment was identified as being relevant, but medical students cautioned against the potential for physician burnout. The medical student participants' suggestions for improved leadership development included increased experiences with examples of physician leadership, opportunities to engage in leadership and participation in reflection exercises.ConclusionsOverall, the study participants demonstrated an appreciation for three aspects of leadership; character, competence and commitment. Furthermore, they also provided recommendations for the future design of medical leadership curricula.