The Laryngoscope
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The number of women in medicine has increased considerably over the past 3 decades, and they now comprise approximately half of medical school matriculants. We examine whether gender disparities in research productivity are present throughout various specialties and compare these findings to those previously described among otolaryngologists. ⋯ Female academic physicians have decreased research productivity relative to men, which may be one factor contributing to their underrepresentation at the level of professor and departmental leader relative to their proportions in junior academic ranks. Potential explanations may include fewer woman physicians in the age groups during which higher academic ranks are attained, greater family responsibilities, and greater involvement in clinical service and educational contributions.
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Malpractice litigation has increased in recent decades, contributing to higher health-care costs. Characterization of complications leading to litigation is of special interest to practitioners of facial plastic surgery procedures because of the higher proportion of elective cases relative to other subspecialties. In this analysis, we comprehensively examine malpractice litigation in facial plastic surgery procedures and characterize factors important in determining legal responsibility, as this information may be of great interest and use to practitioners in several specialties. ⋯ This analysis characterized factors in determining legal responsibility in facial plastic surgery cases. Several factors were identified as potential targets for minimizing liability. Informed consent was the most reported entity in these malpractice suits. This finding emphasizes the importance of open communication between physicians and their patients regarding expectations as well as documentation of specific risks, benefits, and alternatives.
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The purpose of this study is to compare faculty and trainees' perceptions of their mentorship experience in otolaryngology training programs in order to identify areas where improvements could yield more productive mentorship. ⋯ Mentees are generally satisfied with the mentoring they receive, while most mentors are not satisfied with the time they have to provide mentorship. Further insights into differences in faculty and trainee perceptions may improve the mentorship experience.
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Determine temporal trends in otolaryngologists' utilization of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of sinonasal disorders. ⋯ Despite widespread availability of imaging and a strong prevalence of sinonasal diagnoses, otolaryngologists' CT ordering patterns have not resulted in increased utilization over the past 6 years. This suggests that otolaryngologists are remaining consistent in their ordering patterns for sinonasal CT.
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To determine the feasibility, reliability, and validity of an objective surgical assessment tool designed to measure the development of tonsillectomy skills by resident trainees in the operating room. A tonsillectomy evaluation instrument created previously serves as a basis for this tool, which incorporates many similar concepts but was optimized to maximize feasibility and reliability with simplified anchors and inclusion of global and task-specific sections. ⋯ This assessment tool is a feasible, reliable, and valid instrument for the assessment of surgical competency in tonsillectomy. It is effective in providing structured feedback at the end of each procedure, which encourages specific, targeted development.