RESUMO
The Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) recently revised its electronic standardized letter of reference (SLOR) to improve the quality and usefulness of the data obtained from it and to enhance the relevance of non-cognitive and cognitive candidate attributes assessed. We used a stepwise process including a broad survey of SLOR readers and writers, analysis of past SLORs, and a multi-wave iterative revision that included key stakeholders, such as residency and internship program directors from academia and private practice. Data from the SLOR survey and analysis of past SLOR responses identified opportunities to improve applicant differentiation, mitigate positive bias, and encourage response consistency. The survey and other analytics identified and confirmed performance domains of high relevance. The revised SLOR assesses four performance domains: knowledge base and clinical skills, stress and time management, interpersonal skills, and personal characteristics. Ratings within the revised SLOR are predominantly criterion-referenced to enhance discernment of candidate attributes contained within each domain. Questions assessing areas of strength and targeted mentoring were replaced with free-text boxes, which allow writers to comment on positive and neutral/negative ratings of attributes within domains. Minor revisions were made to certain questions to enhance readability, streamline responses, or address targeted concerns identified in the SLOR survey or stakeholder review. The revised SLOR was deployed in the 2020 VIRMP; data from a survey of writers (n = 647) and readers (n = 378) indicate that the redesign objectives were achieved.
Assuntos
Educação em Veterinária , Internato e Residência , Animais , Competência Clínica , Seleção de Pessoal , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
We report a systemic mycosis in a German shepherd dog caused by Scytalidium spp. The patient presented for progressive cervical pain and forelimb hemiparesis. Cervical computed tomography revealed lysis associated with multiple vertebrae and a soft tissue mass adjacent to the spinal cord, as well as prescapular lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspirates of the lymph nodes yielded hyphae, and a subsequent culture obtained a Scytalidium spp. Itraconazole therapy was initiated, but the subject was euthanized three months later due to progressive neurologic disease and discomfort. This appears to be the first report of disseminated disease by this species in veterinary medicine.
RESUMO
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 13-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because it was spraying urine that had a strong odor and had developed aggressive behavior. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Physical examination did not detect any palpable testes within the scrotum; however, spines were detected on the penis. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass in the region of the right adrenal gland. Results of adrenal hormonal analyses revealed considerable increases in serum concentrations of androstenedione and testosterone. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: A mass associated with the right adrenal gland was found during exploratory laparotomy. There was no invasion of the mass into the caudal vena cava. No ectopic gonadal tissue was seen within the abdomen. Adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland was performed, and histologic evaluation of the mass revealed an adrenocortical adenoma. Two weeks after surgery, serum concentrations of androgens had decreased. Eight weeks after surgery, the cat was no longer spraying urine and was acting affectionate toward the owner. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adrenal gland tumors can produce a variety of hormones other than cortisol. An adrenal gland tumor should be considered in neutered cats with newly developed physical and behavioral changes of a sexual nature. In the absence of debilitating conditions that are often associated with hyperadrenocorticism, cats undergoing adrenalectomy for an adrenal gland tumor that is producing sex hormones may have resolution of clinical signs and a good prognosis.
