Impact of emotional intelligence in resolving clinical conflicts among postgraduate residents of surgery.

Background & Objective: Emotional intelligence (EI) can become a vital tool for resolving clinical conflicts (CC) in surgery. The postgraduate residents focus on the technical skills and undermine the soft skills required for their better training. Our aim was to determine the EI of postgraduate resident (PGR) years one & two in General and Orthopedic Surgery. The CC in their workplace and how they use their EI to resolve these conflicts. Methods: This mixed-method study was conducted from March 10, 2019 to May 28, 2020 at Departments of General and Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. The study was conducted in two phases 1 & 2. In Phase-1, one hundred PGR years one & two were administered the Mayor-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence test (MSCEIT) to measure EI. In phase-2, semi-structured in-depth interviews of 10 PGRs five with high and five with low EI were conducted to determine the CC and use of EI to resolve the CC at the workplace. A thematic analysis was done. Results: Out of 100 PGR, the mean EI score was 46.25±14.8 with a maximum score of 75.4, and a minimum score of 18.16 (p-value =0.775). Ninety-one (91%) have not improving EI, and 09 (09%) have considered developing EI. Five themes in four settings, including emergency, ward, elective operation theatre, and outpatient department (OPD) were determined. The emerged themes for the CC were nepotism, gender biases, burnout, lack of professionalism, and toxic culture. The following were CC management strategies: self-study, deceit, gender affinity, performing attention-attaining work, aggrieved reaction and being disgruntled when alone. Conclusion: None of the PGR was emotionally intelligent in overall grades, as well as a particular aspect of MSCEIT.

Burnout among Dental Students of Private and Public Dental Colleges in Pakistan - A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of burnout among dental students of public and private institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Pakistan. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at five public and private dental institutions from June 2021 to May 2022. A validated twelve-item closed-ended Burnout Clinical Subtype Questionnaire was distributed among the dental students of two private and two public institutes in Pakistan. The research questions focused on demographic information and students' academic experiences. Data analysis is presented through tables and descriptive methods. Results: A total of 274 dental undergraduate students - second (42.3%), third (35.4%), and final (22.3%) academic year participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 21.9, with the range of 20-26 years. Most participants were females (74.1%) compared to the males (25.9%). The findings for burnout syndrome among dentistry students and students in the private and public sectors were not significant. Conclusion: In the current study, burnout levels among dental undergraduates, both private and public, were low.

Survival in general surgery: The female surgeons' perspective.

Objective: Specialty choices in health profession has long been influenced by gender. The field of General Surgery remains the least preferred specialty by females, especially in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to identify the factors leading to success and retention of females in General Surgery in Pakistan. Methods: Qualitative case study was conducted from February to May 2020 at Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposive sample of female surgeons at various academic position in different tertiary care hospitals of Pakistan. Data were thematically analyzed. Results: Participants were driven by their passion for surgery, which led them to choose this specialty in the beginning. Their survival in male dominant workplace was made possible by their own personality traits and conducive environment provided by the supervisors and peers. However, a structured mentorship program for females was found lacking. Conclusion: The necessary ingredients for success are passion and personality traits in any field but attention to nurturing and supportive environment for females in the General Surgery is paramount in determining success. Due consideration to the factors identified in the current study will enhance the retention and success of females in General Surgery.