Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Virtual Residency Interviews during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Applicant's Perspective.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on medical education at all levels, particularly on applicants applying to residency programs. The objective of the study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of applicants' perspectives on virtual interviews in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Despite the challenges associated with the virtual interview process, applicants rated the overall virtual interview experience positively. Given the continued impact of COVID-19 on medical education, the majority of residency programs will elect to continue virtual interviews for the 2022 Electronic Residency Application Services cycle. We hope that our findings may provide insight into the applicant's perspective on the virtual interview experience and help optimize virtual interviews for future cycles.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Effects of the COVID-19 Crisis on Resident Well-Being in a Community Teaching Hospital.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been an unexpected crisis that continues to challenge the medical community at large. Healthcare environments have been forced to change dramatically, including for medical residents, who are vital members of the innovative emergency response teams. Articles have previously been published on the effects of crises on the well-being of healthcare practitioners; however, there is a paucity of literature targeting medical residents' experiences and general wellness during devastating events. The objective of our study aimed at understanding the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents' stress, academics, and support systems. ⋯ This study provides insight on resident well-being during the initial months of the pandemic and identifies areas that could be improved. Our results demonstrated that the pandemic affected many aspects of residents' well-being and education, and the lessons learned can help guide healthcare institutions when implementing wellness activities for trainees during subsequent crises.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Does Finding Cecal Adenoma Increase the Risk of Discovering More and Advanced Adenomas in the Remainder of the Colon?
Adenomatous polyps are common, occurring in up to 25% of the population older than 50 years of age in the United States. Conflicting data are present in the literature about the impact of specific adenoma locations and the prediction on the number and advanced histology of adenomas elsewhere. With this study we aimed to review the association between cecal adenoma and the risk of discovering more and advanced adenomas in the remainder of the colon. ⋯ Cecal adenoma is associated with an increased risk of finding more and advanced adenomas in the remainder of the colon, especially on the right side; therefore, the discovery of a cecal adenoma should prompt a more thorough evaluation of the entire colon, particularly the right colon.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Predictors of Nonadherence to Colorectal Cancer Screening among Hospitalized Women.
Despite proven mortality benefit, disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening utilization persist, especially among younger women, minorities, and low-income women, even those who are insured. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and estimate the effects of sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with nonadherence to CRC screening among hospitalized women. ⋯ Both younger age and behavior toward screening remain barriers to CRC screening. Hospitalization creates an environment where patients are in close proximity to healthcare resources, and strategies could be used to capitalize on this opportunity to counsel, educate, and motivate patients toward this screening that is necessary for health maintenance. Seizing on this opportunity may help improve CRC screening adherence.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2022
Perceptions, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health of Residents during COVID-19.
Since the inception of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the United States has been the leader in cases and deaths. Healthcare workers treating these severely ill patients are at risk of many deleterious consequences. Residents, in particular, may be affected by physical as well as psychological consequences. Because data are sparse on perceptions, coping strategies, and the mental health of residents during COVID-19, we explored these issues in survey data from a community-based academic program in the southeastern United States. ⋯ During COVID-19, residents in a southern community-based program with an academic affiliation reported effective coping strategies, predominantly acceptance, self-distraction, and use of emotional support. They reported concerns about becoming infected and, if they did, that their illness would likely be serious. Finally, they have not experienced depression, anxiety, or reported stress. The findings may be restricted in generalizability to a southern community-based program with an academic affiliation.