Locoregional Management of Multiple Ipsilateral Breast Cancers: A Review.

The incidence of preoperatively diagnosed multiple ipsilateral breast cancer (MIBC) is increasing due to improved sensitivity of screening and preoperative staging modalities including digital breast tomosynthesis (3D breast mammography) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The surgical management of MIBC remains controversial. Many surgeons continue to recommend mastectomy due to high local recurrence rates in patients with MIBC undergoing breast conservation therapy reported in historic, retrospective studies. More recent retrospective studies report acceptable rates of local recurrence. Yet concerns persist due to a paucity of prospective data regarding recurrence as well as concerns for margin positivity, cosmetic outcomes and the feasibility of adequate and safe delivery of radiation following breast conserving surgery. Breast conservation has emerged as the preferred surgical strategy for eligible patients with unifocal disease. Benefits include improved quality of life, body image and sexual function and lower surgical complication rates. A recent prospective clinical trial has corroborated a large body of retrospective data confirming the safety of breast conserving therapy and adjuvant radiation in women with MIBC with good oncologic control, low rates of conversion to mastectomy and satisfactory patient-reported cosmetic outcomes. With the current rise in MIBC diagnoses, it is imperative that surgeons understand the existent evidence in order to guide shared decision-making conversations with patients diagnosed with MIBC. This comprehensive review synthesizes the best available data and offers current recommendations for management of both the primary sites of disease as well as management of the axilla in patients with MIBC.

Implementing shared decision making for early-stage breast cancer treatment using a coproduction learning collaborative: the SHAIR Collaborative protocol.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision making (SDM) in breast cancer care improves outcomes, but it is not routinely implemented. Results from the What Matters Most trial demonstrated that early-stage breast cancer surgery conversation aids, when used by surgeons after brief training, improved SDM and patient-reported outcomes. Trial surgeons and patients both encouraged using the conversation aids in routine care. We will develop and evaluate an online learning collaborative, called the SHared decision making Adoption Implementation Resource (SHAIR) Collaborative, to promote early-stage breast cancer surgery SDM by implementing the conversation aids into routine preoperative care. Learning collaboratives are known to be effective for quality improvement in clinical care, but no breast cancer learning collaborative currently exists. Our specific aims are to (1) provide the SHAIR Collaborative resources to clinical sites to use with eligible patients, (2) examine the relationship between the use of the SHAIR Collaborative resources and patient reach, and (3) promote the emergence of a sustained learning collaborative in this clinical field, building on a partnership with the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS). METHODS: We will conduct a two-phased implementation project: phase 1 pilot at five sites and phase 2 scale up at up to an additional 32 clinical sites across North America. The SHAIR Collaborative online platform will offer free access to conversation aids, training videos, electronic health record and patient portal integration guidance, a feedback dashboard, webinars, support center, and forum. We will use RE-AIM for data collection and evaluation. Our primary outcome is patient reach. Secondary data will include (1) patient-reported data from an optional, anonymous online survey, (2) number of active sites and interviews with site champions, (3) Normalization MeAsure Development questionnaire data from phase 1 sites, adaptations data utilizing the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Extended/-Implementation Strategies, and tracking implementation facilitating factors, and (4) progress on sustainability strategy and plans with ASBrS. DISCUSSION: The SHAIR Collaborative will reach early-stage breast cancer patients across North America, evaluate patient-reported outcomes, engage up to 37 active sites, and potentially inform engagement factors affecting implementation success and may be sustained by ASBrS.

How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going? Career Trajectories of United States General Surgery Residency Program Directors.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the future of United States (US) surgical education leadership, surgical trainees and early career faculty who aspire to become program directors (PDs) must understand the potential career pathways and requisite skills and experience to become a general surgery residency PD. The objective of this study was to understand the demographics, career experiences, and professional satisfaction of US PDs in general surgery. DESIGN: An anonymous, cross-sectional survey utilizing a novel instrument. SETTING: An electronic survey distributed to US general surgery PDs between June and November 2022 PARTICIPANTS: PDs of US general surgery residency programs. A list of the Accrediting Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited general surgery PDs was created from the ACGME list from the 2022 to 23 academic year. RESULTS: The survey achieved a response rate of 46.2% (159/344). Only 32.1% of PDs identified as female and 67.3% identified as male with 1 respondent preferring not to identify their gender. PDs were White or Caucasian (68.6%), Asian (13.8%), and Black (3.7%); 4.4% were Hispanic or Latino. Only 83.7% of PDs completed fellowship training. PDs have been in the role for an average of 5.5 ± 4.9 years. The PDs were compensated for an average of 54.7% (±14.9% SD, 0%-100% range) of their time towards clinical duties. They were compensated on average for 35.7% (±12.6%, 0%-100%) of effort for residency-related administrative duties. Only 5% of PDs had obtained or were enrolled in an education-related degree. Only 55.4% of PDs had received formal surgical education training in teaching and assessment. 54.1% of PDs were interested in obtaining a more senior leadership position in the future. Most PDs (38.4%) expect to serve as PD for 5 to 8 years in total. Overall, the majority of PDs were very satisfied (29.6%) or satisfied (51.6%) professionally; similarly 28.9% were very satisfied and 48.4% satisfied personally. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the most up-to-date characterization of the personal, academic, and career-related features of current surgical residency PDs across the US. PDs enjoy a high degree of professional and personal satisfaction and most aspire to increasing leadership within their organizations. Compared to prior data, PDs have become more diverse in terms of both gender and race over time. Opportunities exist for increased mentorship of aspiring and current PDs as well as increased training in teaching and assessment.

Outcomes of the 2021-2022 APDS General Surgery Recruitment Process Recommendations.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, mounting challenges for applicants and programs in resident recruitment have catapulted this topic into a top priority in medical education. These challenges span all aspects of recruitment-from the time an applicant applies until the time of the Match-and have widespread implications on cost, applicant stress, compromise of value alignment, and holistic review, and equity. In 2021-2022, the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS) set forth recommendations to guide processes for General Surgery residency recruitment. OBJECTIVES: This work summarizes the APDS 2021-2022 resident recruitment process recommendations, along with their justification and program end-of-cycle program feedback and compliance. This work also outlines the impact of these data on the subsequent 2022-2023 recommendations. METHODS: After a comprehensive review of the available literature and data about resident recruitment, the APDS Task Force proposed recommendations to guide 2021-2022 General Surgery resident recruitment. Following cycle completion, programs participating in the categorical General Surgery Match were surveyed for feedback and compliance. RESULTS: About 122 of the 342 programs (35.7%) participating in the 2022 categorical General Surgery Match responded. Based on available data in advance of the cycle, recommendations around firm application and interview numbers could not be made. About 62% of programs participated in the first round interview offer period with 86% of programs limiting offers to the number of slots available; 95% conducted virtual-only interviews. Programs responded they would consider or strongly consider the following components in future cycles: holistic review (90%), transparency around firm requirements (88%), de-emphasis of standardized test scores (54%), participation in the ERAS Supplemental application (58%), single first round interview release period (69%), interview offers limited to the number of available slots (93%), 48-hour minimum interview offer response time (98%), operationalization of applicant expectations (88%), and virtual interviews (80%). There was variability in terms of the feedback regarding the timing of the single first round offer period as well as support for a voluntary, live site visit for applicants following program rank list certification. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of programs would consider implementing similar recommendations in 2022-2023. The greatest variability around compliance revolved around single interview release and the format of interviews. Future innovation is contingent upon the ongoing collection of data as well as unification of data sources involved in the recruitment process.

Local Recurrence After Breast-Conserving Therapy in Patients With Multiple Ipsilateral Breast Cancer: Results From ACOSOG Z11102 (Alliance).

PURPOSE: Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) is the preferred treatment for unifocal breast cancer (BC). The oncologic safety of BCT for multiple ipsilateral breast cancer (MIBC) has not been demonstrated in a prospective study. ACOSOG Z11102 (Alliance) is a phase II, single-arm, prospective trial designed to evaluate oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing BCT for MIBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women age 40 years and older with two to three foci of biopsy-proven cN0-1 BC were eligible. Patients underwent lumpectomies with negative margins followed by whole breast radiation with boost to all lumpectomy beds. The primary end point was cumulative incidence of local recurrence (LR) at 5 years with an a priori rate of clinical acceptability of <8%. RESULTS: Among 270 women enrolled between November 2012 and August 2016, there were 204 eligible patients who underwent protocol-directed BCT. The median age was 61 years (range, 40-87 years). At a median follow-up of 66.4 months (range, 1.3-90.6 months), six patients developed LR for an estimated 5-year cumulative incidence of LR of 3.1% (95% CI, 1.3 to 6.4). Patient age, number of sites of preoperative biopsy-proven BC, estrogen receptor status and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status, and pathologic T and N categories were not associated with LR risk. Exploratory analysis showed that the 5-year LR rate in patients without preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; n = 15) was 22.6% compared with 1.7% in patients with a preoperative MRI (n = 189; P = .002). CONCLUSION: The Z11102 clinical trial demonstrates that breast-conserving surgery with adjuvant radiation that includes lumpectomy site boosts yields an acceptably low 5-year LR rate for MIBC. This evidence supports BCT as a reasonable surgical option for women with two to three ipsilateral foci, particularly among patients with disease evaluated with preoperative breast MRI.

Update on the Financial Well-Being of Surgical Residents in New England.

BACKGROUND: Poor personal financial health has been linked to key components of health including burnout, substance abuse, and worsening personal relationships. Understanding the state of resident financial health is key to improving their overall well-being. STUDY DESIGN: A secondary analysis of a survey of New England general surgery residents was performed to understand their financial well-being. Questions from the National Financial Capability Study were used to compare to an age-matched and regionally matched cohort. RESULTS: Overall, 44% (250 of 570) of surveyed residents responded. Residents more frequently reported spending less than their income each year compared to the control cohort (54% vs 34%, p < 0.01). However, 17% (39 of 234) of residents reported spending more than their income each year. A total of 65% of residents (152 of 234), found it "not at all difficult" to pay monthly bills vs 17% (76 of 445) of the control cohort (p < 0.01). However, 32% (75 of 234) of residents reported it was "somewhat" or "very" difficult to pay monthly bills. Residents more frequently reported they "certainly" or "probably" could "come up with" $2,000 in a month compared to the control cohort (85% vs 62% p < 0.01), but 16% (37 of 234) of residents reported they could not. In this survey, 21% (50 of 234) of residents reported having a personal life insurance policy, 25% (59 of 234) had disability insurance, 6% (15 of 234) had a will, and 27% (63 of 234) had >$300,000 worth of student loans. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical residents have better financial well-being than an age-matched and regionally matched cohort, but there is still a large proportion who suffer from financial difficulties.

A pilot multi-institutional study to evaluate the accuracy of a supine MRI based guidance system, the Breast Cancer Locator™, in patients with palpable breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Evaluate whether the Breast Cancer Locator™ (BCL), a novel guidance system based on supine MRI images, can be safely and effectively deployed by several surgeons at multiple sites. METHODS: Patients with palpable breast cancer underwent supine MRI at their local institution. A three dimensional (3D) digital image of the tumor in the breast was derived from supine MRI images and used to generate 1) an interactive 3D virtual image of the tumor in the breast (Visualizer) and 2) a plastic bra-like form that allowed the surgeon to place a central wire and bracketing wires in the breast (BCL). The primary objective was to determine the proportion of patients who had the central localization wire deployed within the cancer on specimen mammogram. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled at 4 different sites by 6 surgeons. BCLs were successfully manufactured for all patients. The central wire was deployed within the tumor on specimen mammogram in 12 of the 13 patients who had a central wire placed (92%). The cancer was excised with negative margins in 14/14 cases (100%). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Supine MRI image acquisition was accomplished successfully across multiple sites. Multiple surgeons utilized the BCL system to localize cancers accurately and safely.

Dysautonomia following breast surgery: Disproportionate response to postoperative hematoma.

Background: Up to 10% of patients undergoing breast surgery suffer from bleeding complications. Some experience severe hypotension and bradycardia of unclear etiology. Similar to the vasovagal hyperstimulation provoked by abdominal insufflation during laparoscopic surgery, we hypothesize that chest wall stretch from postoperative breast hematoma may mechanically stretch the vagus nerve, triggering dysautonomia disproportionate to the degree of blood loss. Methods: A single-institution retrospective review of patients requiring reoperation for hematoma evacuation following breast surgery between 2011 and 2021 was performed. The relationship between hematoma volume and hemodynamic instability, as well as hematoma volume and vasovagal symptoms, was measured. Results: Sixteen patients were identified. Average hematoma volume was 353 mL, and average minimum mean arterial pressure was 64 mm Hg (range: 34-102 mm Hg). Fifty-six percent of patients reported symptoms including dizziness, somnolence, and/or syncope. Accounting for body surface area, patients with larger hematomas had similar minimum mean arterial pressures compared to those with smaller hematomas, 55 and 73 mm Hg, respectively (P = .0943). However, patients in the large hematoma group experienced over 3 times as many vasovagal symptoms, 88% and 25%, respectively (P = .0095). Conclusion: Patients with large hematomas reported significantly more vagal symptoms compared to those with small hematomas despite similar mean arterial pressures. In addition, the trend of lower mean arterial pressures and heart rates more closely resembles vagal hyperstimulation than hypovolemic shock. Early hematoma evacuation to relieve vagal nerve stretch and parasympatholytics to reverse dysautonomia are targeted interventions to consider in this patient population rather than fluids, vasopressors, and blood products that are used in cases of hemodynamic instability due to hypovolemia alone.

Implementation of a Standardized Sub-Intern Curriculum Improves Confidence for those Entering a Surgical Residency.

OBJECTIVE: Medical students often feel underprepared entering surgical residency. We have previously reported the results of a sub-intern needs assessment (SINA) which informed the creation of a standardized sub-internship curriculum. We aimed to determine if implementation of this curriculum into students' scheduled rotations would improve student confidence in their abilities related to the AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency (CEPAERs). DESIGN: We surveyed 4th year medical students during their surgery sub-internship. Sub-interns participated in a weekly series of 2-hour didactic sessions. We utilized interactive lectures and case scenarios addressing the pertinent topics identified in our previous needs assessment. The surveys were administered before and after the rotation and linked using unique identifiers. The surveys assessed confidence in each of the CEPAERs as well as the top 25 topics prioritized by our needs assessment. Self-reported confidence in each of the topics was measured using Likert scales (CEPAER scale 1-5, SINA scale 1-6). Pre- and post-curriculum confidence on a variety of topics were compared using paired t-tests. SETTING: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a tertiary-care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Fourth year medical students participating in their general surgery sub-internship. RESULTS: Twelve medical students participated in general and thoracic surgery sub-internships over the course of the study period. Ten (83%) participated in the didactic curriculum and they all completed both the pre- and postsurvey. 100% of the respondents agreed that the curriculum provided a useful supplement to their clinical experience. With respect to the CEPAERs, students reported improved confidence in 77% of the areas, with statistically significant increases occurring in the following areas: ability to prioritize a differential diagnosis (average Likert rating improved from 3.7 to 4.1, p = 0.04), comfort entering and discussing orders (2.9-3.8, p = 0.007), and overall preparedness to be a surgical intern (3.2-3.8, p = 0.02). Students also reported improvement in confidence in 92% of the basic intern responsibility topics, with statistically significant increases in maintenance fluid calculations (Likert rating 3.5-4.5, p = 0.001), repleting electrolytes (3.8-4.6, p = 0.01), interpretation of chest and abdominal x-rays (4-5, p = 0.02; 3.6-4.5, p=0.004, respectively), management of oliguria (3.2-3.8, p = 0.02), and time management/organization skills (4.5-5.4, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a standardized sub-intern curriculum improved student confidence in 33 of the 38 basic intern responsibilities, core Entrustable Professional Activities, and overall preparedness to be a surgical intern. While limited by a single institution design, we believe these results offer a new avenue for educating and preparing medical students for residency within their existing sub-internships.

A National Mixed-Methods Evaluation of General Surgery Residency Program Responsiveness and the Association with Resident Wellness.

INTRODUCTION: Resident burnout is highly prevalent in general surgery. Burnout is increasingly recognized as a symptom of an unsupportive workplace. The objectives of this study were to describe resident perceptions of program responsiveness and to identify associated factors. METHODS: We used a convergent mixed-methods design. A cross-sectional survey was administered to all U.S. general surgery residents following the 2020 ABSITE, querying resident perceptions of their learning environment (including program responsiveness), burnout, thoughts of attrition and suicide, and career satisfaction. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for program/resident characteristics assessed associations of program responsiveness with aspects of the learning environment and resident wellness. 366 interviews and 27 focus groups with residents and faculty were conducted during in-person visits to 15 residency programs. Transcripts were analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive logics until thematic saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Of the 7233 clinically active residents from 323 programs who completed the survey (85.5% response rate), 5256 had data available for all outcomes of interest. 72.1% (n = 3791) reported satisfaction with program responsiveness. These residents were significantly less likely to report 80-hour workweek violations (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.26), burnout (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.41-0.53), thoughts of attrition (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.27-0.38), and suicidality (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41-0.65). They were significantly more likely to report satisfaction with career choice, personal life, and work-life balance (all p < 0.001). Factors associated with improved perception of program responsiveness included larger program size (50+ vs. <23 residents; OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01-2.19), having faculty mentorship (OR 2.64, 95% CI 2.22-3.14), having meaningful input into call and vacation schedules (OR 3.31, 95% CI 2.74-4.00), and feeling comfortable speaking up (OR 4.20, 95% CI 3.47-5.09). We conducted a qualitative analysis to identify the following components of program responsiveness: (1) core values reflecting a shared understanding of the importance of resident voice in shaping the training experience and the program, including mutual trust and respect between residents and faculty, transparency and communication, resident unity, and resident participation in and ownership of program improvement; (2) structural constructs that reflect and support responsiveness; (3) mechanisms for supporting resident agency, including resources and leadership support, faculty advocacy, and resident leadership opportunities. CONCLUSION: Program responsiveness in surgical residency is associated with improved resident wellness. Programs should develop formal channels to elicit and concretely address resident concerns, provide opportunities for resident representation, and entrust residents with the flexibility and autonomy to make decisions that support their own education and wellness.

Paternity Leave During Surgical Training: Perspectives of Male Residents.

OBJECTIVE: Recent literature on parental leave during residency has focused on the importance of supporting new mothers, but the needs and challenges faced by expectant nonchildbearing residents are less well described. Male residents are more likely than their female counterparts to have children during surgical training, and they experience similar stressors including childcare and conflicts between work and home priorities. As nonchildbearing parents of this generation become more involved in childrearing, the need to establish inclusive parental leave policies is essential. The aim of this study was to provide a deeper understanding of the perspectives of male residents about parental leave. DESIGN: A semi-structured interview guide was developed using a literature search and an expert panel. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim and emergent themes were identified using content analysis. SETTING: Four academic institutions. PARTICIPANTS: Four focus groups were held with of a total of 15 male resident-parents. These were selected using convenience sampling. RESULTS: Multiple themes emerged: 1) male residents perceive greater stigma attached to taking leave compared to female colleagues; 2) paternity leave policies are vague and sometimes non-existent; 3) male residents experience a high burden of guilt related to burdening peers with clinical coverage while on leave; 4) male residents face internal conflict between surgical and parental responsibilities; 5) male residents have little mentorship on successful work-life integration and feel compelled to model the behavior of their attendings who often prioritize career before family; and 6) shifts in family values and priorities are common following childbirth and impact how male resident-parents view other new parents in training. CONCLUSIONS: Significant challenges exist for residents who become fathers during their surgical training. Key stressors include poorly defined leave policies, historic paradigms of prioritizing professional duties before personal duties, stigma against taking time off for parental bonding in the absence of medical need, and guilt related to extra work imposed on colleagues by time away. Establishment of formal parental leave policies for both genders, programmatic support to offset the increased workload on colleagues, and greater mentorship on balancing family and career are needed to foster a culture of work-life integration.

Update on the Personal and Professional Well-Being of Surgical Residents in New England.

BACKGROUND: Surgical culture has shifted to recognize the importance of resident well-being. This is the first study to longitudinally track regional surgical resident well-being over 5 years. STUDY DESIGN: An anonymous cross-sectional, multi-institutional survey of New England general surgery residents using novel and published instruments to create three domains: health maintenance, burnout, and work environment. RESULTS: Overall, 75% (15 of 20) of programs participated. The response rate was 44% (250 of 570), and 53% (133 of 250) were women, 94% (234 of 250) were 25 to 34 years old, and 71% (178 of 250) were in a relationship. For health maintenance, 57% (143 of 250) reported having a primary care provider, 26% (64 of 250) had not seen a primary care provider in 2 years, and 59% (147 of 250) endorsed being up to date with age-appropriate health screening, but only 44% (109 of 250) were found to actually be up to date. Only 14% (35 of 250) reported exercising more than 150 minutes/week. The burnout rate was 19% (47 of 250), with 32% (81 of 250) and 25% (63 of 250) reporting high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, respectively. For program directors and attendings, 90% of residents reported that they cared about resident well-being. Eighty-seven percent of residents believed that it was acceptable to take time off during the workday for a personal appointment, but only 49% reported that they would personally take the time. CONCLUSIONS: The personal health maintenance of general surgery residents has changed little over the past five years, despite an overwhelming majority of residents reporting that attendings and program directors care about their well-being. Further study is needed to understand the barriers to improvement of resident wellbeing.

The Feasibility of Radiation Therapy after Breast-Conserving Surgery for Multiple Ipsilateral Breast Cancer: An Initial Report from ACOSOG Z11102 (Alliance) Trial.

PURPOSE: Historically, multiple ipsilateral breast cancer (MIBC) has been a contraindication to breast-conserving therapy. We report the feasibility of radiation therapy (RT) after breast-conserving therapy in MIBC from the Alliance Z11102 trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Delineation of targets and organs at risk was performed according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group contouring consensus definitions. RT was delivered to the whole breast to 45 to 50 Gy in standard daily fractions of 1.8 to 2.0 Gy. A boost of 10 to 16 Gy in 2.0-Gy daily fractions to each tumor bed was mandatory. RESULTS: A total of 236 eligible patients were enrolled in the study between July 23, 2012 and August 19, 2016. Of those, 195 (83%) completed RT. No patient underwent mastectomy for failure to meet the RT dose constraints. Higher absolute boost volume was associated with increased incidence of grade 2 or higher dermatitis (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.41; P = .014). Higher relative boost volume as a percentage of the overall breast volume was not associated with increased dermatitis. Neither absolute nor relative boost volume appeared to significantly influence overall cosmesis. CONCLUSIONS: Breast conservation followed by whole breast RT plus boost to each tumor bed was feasible in the majority of patients with MIBC. Increasing radiation boost volume was associated with increased incidence of acute dermatitis, but was not associated with worse overall cosmesis.

First-In-Human Study in Cancer Patients Establishing the Feasibility of Oxygen Measurements in Tumors Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance With the OxyChip.

OBJECTIVE: The overall objective of this clinical study was to validate an implantable oxygen sensor, called the 'OxyChip', as a clinically feasible technology that would allow individualized tumor-oxygen assessments in cancer patients prior to and during hypoxia-modification interventions such as hyperoxygen breathing. METHODS: Patients with any solid tumor at ≤3-cm depth from the skin-surface scheduled to undergo surgical resection (with or without neoadjuvant therapy) were considered eligible for the study. The OxyChip was implanted in the tumor and subsequently removed during standard-of-care surgery. Partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) at the implant location was assessed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry. RESULTS: Twenty-three cancer patients underwent OxyChip implantation in their tumors. Six patients received neoadjuvant therapy while the OxyChip was implanted. Median implant duration was 30 days (range 4-128 days). Forty-five successful oxygen measurements were made in 15 patients. Baseline pO2 values were variable with overall median 15.7 mmHg (range 0.6-73.1 mmHg); 33% of the values were below 10 mmHg. After hyperoxygenation, the overall median pO2 was 31.8 mmHg (range 1.5-144.6 mmHg). In 83% of the measurements, there was a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) response to hyperoxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of baseline pO2 and response to hyperoxygenation using EPR oximetry with the OxyChip is clinically feasible in a variety of tumor types. Tumor oxygen at baseline differed significantly among patients. Although most tumors responded to a hyperoxygenation intervention, some were non-responders. These data demonstrated the need for individualized assessment of tumor oxygenation in the context of planned hyperoxygenation interventions to optimize clinical outcomes.

A Targeted Needs Assessment for the Development of a Surgical Sub-internship Curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: Medical students often feel inadequately prepared for the responsibilities of surgical internship because of insufficient exposure to resident responsibilities prior to starting residency. This lack of preparation may contribute to burnout and attrition early in residency. Sub-internships should provide these experiences. Significant variation, however, exists in the structure of these rotations. We conducted a targeted needs assessment to inform the development of a didactic curriculum to address gaps in the surgical sub-internship experience and better prepare students for general surgery residency. DESIGN: A 25-item needs assessment survey was developed and distributed to senior medical students in their surgical sub-internship, current junior residents, and prior students (alumni) from the past 4 years who matched into general surgery residencies at other institutions. SETTING: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a tertiary-care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Nine senior medical students; 12 current residents and 14 alumni, including 9 PGY-1, 13 PGY-2, and 4 PGY-3 residents. RESULTS: The topics rated most important by medical students were floor management topics, specifically lines, tubes, and drains, hypotension, post-operative fever, chest pain, oliguria, and post-operative pain. In contrast, there was a wider variety of topics rated highly by residents. Residents emphasized non-technical communication and documentation skills. Residents at every training level rated presenting patients on rounds as the most important skill for incoming interns to acquire, whereas only one-third of medical students considered this to be an essential topic. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students rank management of common clinical problems as the most critical aspect in their preparation for residency. Residents recognized these topics as important, but also placed high emphasis on non-technical communication and documentation skills. The findings from this need's assessment can be used to guide content structure for a sub-intern curriculum.

Teaching and Evaluating Nontechnical Skills for General Surgery.

Surgical training programs have long used quantitative measures of knowledge, as well as subjective evaluation of technical skills, to define the competence of trainees. However, a growing body of literature has shown the importance of nontechnical surgical skills as vital components of quality surgical care. Institutions must train nontechnical surgical skills, including leadership, communication, teamwork, situational awareness, and decision making, and incorporate these attributes into their evaluative processes to maximally enhance surgical performance at every career stage.