Journal of surgical education
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Despite recent changes to medical education, surgical training remains largely based on the apprenticeship model. However, after completing training, there are few structured learning opportunities available for surgeons in practice to refine their skills or acquire new skills. Personalized observation with feedback is rarely a feature of traditional continuing medical education learning. Coaching has recently been proposed as a modality to meet these educational gaps; however, data are limited, and few coaching programs presently exist. The purpose of this study is to summarize the characteristics of coaching programs for surgeons in practice including participant satisfaction, program outcomes, and barriers to implementation, in the published literature. ⋯ Coaching for surgeons in practice is highly rated by participants and often results in clinical practice changes, while cultural and logistical issues were identified as barriers to implementation. A better understanding of these factors is required to guide coaching program development and implementation.
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The COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique challenge to surgical residency programs. Due to the restrictions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other organizations, the educational landscape for surgical residents is rapidly changing. In addition, the time course of these changes is undefined. ⋯ These innovative solutions utilizing technology may help to bridge the educational gap for surgical residents during this unprecedented circumstance. The support of national organizations may be beneficial in maintaining rigorous surgical education.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving crisis with widespread impact upon our medical system, including senior trainee travel for fellowship interviews. Numerous institutions have conscientiously deferred in-person interviews or virtual formats. Given the competitive nature of fellowship interviews, candidates may express concern that they are at a disadvantage in engaging in online meetings versus live, on-site interviews, and similarly may feel ill prepared to perform optimally during online interviews. ⋯ We draw upon our experience with online interview platforms in this guide for fellowship candidates who are rapidly adapting to new technology and styles associated with videoconference interviews so that they can best promote themselves for competitive positions.
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To assess the utility of simulated ward rounds to train healthcare professionals in nontechnical skills using a qualitative analysis of participant feedback. ⋯ This simulated ward round exercise was positively received by participants. The approach to derive scenarios from real ward round observations permitted a variety of the main themes of nontechnical skills to be tested, and improved the fidelity of the simulation. The reflections expressed by participants demonstrate a need for this training, and drives our initiative to raise awareness and develop nontechnical skills in a controlled environment, supported with transparent discussion and feedback.
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To study how an educational intervention given to surgical residents affected postoperative opioid prescribing. To determine whether decreased opioid prescription amounts increased patients' rate of refills, emergency department visits, or readmissions. ⋯ After a single education intervention given to surgical residents, MME prescribed after common general surgeries can be decreased significantly without increasing rates of refills or utilization of care.