Journal of surgical education
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Impostor phenomenon (IP) characterizes feelings of self-doubt coupled with feelings that achievements were based on luck and a fear of being discovered as an intellectual fraud. Recently, studies have focused on IP in medical trainees and its association with burnout; however, this research has not yet been conducted on surgeons. This study addresses that gap by investigating the prevalence of IP and burnout in general surgeons and surgery residents. ⋯ Contrary to studies in other medical fields, female general surgery faculty and trainees were no more likely than males to display characteristics of IP. Residents did; however, score higher than faculty on overall CIPS score. While we cannot determine how burnout and IP directly impact each other, our study shows that both faculty and trainees experiencing burnout are more likely to report symptoms of IP.
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The study objectives were to assess if surgical performance and subjective assessment of a virtual reality simulator platform was influenced by changing force feedback devices. ⋯ Our results show no statistical differences in virtual reality surgical performance utilizing the two bimanual haptic devices tested. Subjective assessments demonstrated that participants preferred the Entact system. Our results suggest that to maximize realism of the training experience educators employing virtual reality simulators may find it useful to assess expert opinion before choosing a force feedback device.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Computerized Residency Interview Scheduling: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Categorical General Surgery Applicants.
Scheduling interviews can be stressful and time-intensive for general surgery applicants and program coordinators. The objectives of this study were to determine whether computerized scheduling program (CSP) would decrease time to schedule interviews, reduce workload for residency coordinators, and improve applicant satisfaction. ⋯ CSPs expedited interview scheduling, decreased workload for program coordinators, and improved general surgery applicant satisfaction. However, despite the benefits of CSPs for programs and applicants, CSP use is not widespread among general surgery residency programs. Adoption of CSPs by all programs could greatly improve interview-scheduling processes for applicants and programs.
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To introduce 3 novel intensive facial plastic and reconstructive surgery teaching modules for surgical capacity building using simulation in a low-middle income country. ⋯ Implementation of an intensive surgical training module combining didactics, surgical simulation, and live surgery resulted in the successful transfer of both skills and knowledge. While the long-term benefit of this program is yet to be determined, this model of training may prove to be a useful tool to help address surgical capacity building in the developing world.