Pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery residents' stress, career satisfaction, and gender-based discrimination/harassment.

OBJECTIVES: Dental residents experience high stress in their demanding programs and gender-based harassment/discrimination can contribute to their stress. The objectives were to compare stress, satisfaction, experienced sexual harassment and observed discrimination of women in dental graduate programs with high, medium, and low percentages of women and to explore relationships between these constructs of interest. METHODS: Note that, 112 pediatric dentistry (PD), 44 prosthodontics, and 56 oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) residents responded to a survey. RESULTS: PD residents had the lowest personal life-related stress (4-point scale with 4 = very stressful: PD = 2.99/P = 3.67/OMS = 3.56; p < 0.001), faculty-related stress (2.68/3.66/3.03; p < 0.001), lack of confidence-related stress (2.79/3.31/2.96; p < 0.01) and academic stress (2.65/3.24/3.02; p < 0.001), while prosthodontics residents had the highest stress levels. The average frequency of experiencing sexual harassment was highest for OMS residents and lowest for PD residents (5-point scale with 1 = never: 1.15/2.62/2.74; p < 0.001). PD residents observed least and OMS residents most frequently that female residents were treated less positively by other residents because of their gender (1.59/2.57/3.00; p < 0.001). Prosthodontics residents had the lowest job satisfaction score (5-point scale with 1 = lowest satisfaction: 4.12/3.14/4.20; p < 0.001). The more frequently male and female residents experienced sexual harassment, the higher their personal life-related stress, faculty-related stress, lack of confidence-related stress, and academic stress, and the lower their career satisfaction, specialty content satisfaction, and stress-related satisfaction. Women's frequencies of observed gender-based discrimination were associated with higher stress and lower satisfaction, while men's frequencies of these observations were not associated with stress, but associated with increased satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Dental residents' stress, career satisfaction, experienced sexual harassment, and observed discrimination of women residents differ depending on the dental specialty program. Both male and female residents report more stress and less satisfaction the more they experience sexual harassment. The more women observe discrimination of women, the more stressed and the less satisfied they are. For men, the frequencies of these observations are not associated with stress, but positively associated with increased satisfaction.

Analysis of National Resident Matching Program for Radiology Fellowships - Factors Affecting Program Fill Rates.

OBJECTIVE: The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is utilized by an increasing number of diagnostic radiology (DR) residents applying to subspecialty fellowships. Data characterizing Match outcomes based on program characteristics is limited. We sought to determine if fellowship or residency size, location, or perceived reputation was related with a program filling their quota. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using public NRMP data from 2004-2022, DR residency, Breast Imaging (BI), Musculoskeletal (MSK), Interventional (IR), and Neuroradiology (NR) fellowship programs were characterized by geography, DR and fellowship quota, applicants per position (A/P), and reputation as determined by being an Aunt Minnie's Best DR Program Semifinalist, Doximity 2021-2022 Top 25, or US World News and Report (USWNR) Top Hospital. The DR program's reputation was substituted for fellowships at the same institution. A program was considered filled if it met quota. RESULTS: The 2022 A/P ratios were 1.02 (IR), 0.83 (BI), 0.75 (MSK), and 0.88 (NR). IR was excluded from additional analysis due to A/P >1. The combined BI, MSK, and NR fellowships filled 78% (529/679) positions and 56% (132/234) programs. Factors associated with higher program filling included: Doximity Top 25, Aunt Minnie Semifinalist, and Top 20 USWNR (p for all <0.001), DR residency quota >9 and fellowship quota >3 (p=<0.01). The Ohio Valley (Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Kentucky) filled the lowest at 39% of programs (p=0.06). CONCLUSION: Larger fellowship programs with a higher perceived reputation and larger underlying DR residency programs were significantly more likely to fill their NRMP quota.

Undergraduate students' choices around community service and internship: A single faculty study.

Background: The Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP) places newly graduated health professionals for a compulsory training period. Universities adopt multiple strategies to encourage students to select rural placements for ICSP. Objectives: This study describes ICSP choices among final-year MBChB and Health and Rehabilitation Science students at a South African university and the factors influencing their decisions. Method: A cross-sectional qualitative descriptive study was conducted using a self-developed online questionnaire. Eighty-five final-year students were recruited. Results: Most respondents (n = 38, 45.8%) chose the Western Cape (WC) as their first choice placement. There was a significant difference between MBChB and other health science students' choice of level of healthcare (χ = 10.39, p = 0.006), with MBChB less likely to choose primary healthcare (PHC) level placements. District and tertiary care options were perceived as better sites for learning and practice, while PHC and rural sites, considered underresourced and understaffed, were avoided. Although MBChB students indicated a lower preference for rural placements, this was not significant.Factors influencing ICSP application decisions included professional support, work environment, and social and personal considerations. Conclusion: Students' placement choices were based on their perceptions of clinical exposure, learning opportunities, mentorship and supervision. Placements closer to home were preferred. UG clinical exposure and rural background seem to have some impact on choice but need further investigation. Clinical implications: Universities should continue to explore ways to improve students' readiness for practice in underresourced settings. Improved exposure to rural and PHC sites during training could encourage better uptake during ICSP placement.

The exceptional potential in extending primary care exposure for South African medical interns.

No abstract available.

Are Polish doctors ready to start working right after graduation? The 2023 modification to physicians' postgraduate internship and possible paths forward.

The Polish healthcare system faces many problems, among which the shortage of healthcare professionals is one of the most urgent. In less than ten years, more than twenty Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been allowed to add medical programmes to their offer, aiming to increase the number of doctors in Poland. Recently, the healthcare system was faced with a proposal to abolish the mandatory postgraduate internship which has been a mandatory component of medical training for years. Two main reforms were considered. The first one focused on the programme of the internship and aimed to update it. The second one recommended an abolition of the internship. The authors of this article analysed the opinions and positions of key players within the system regarding the postgraduate internship. Opinions in this regard are diverse, leading to the conclusion that additional actions would be required prior to the internship abolition. Undergraduate training has changed and currently students are taught in modern facilities, using new teaching methods. On the other hand, internship allows trainees to improve or even acquire skills they may not have obtained during their studies. The postgraduate internship is an essential part of doctors' training. However, in Poland, there is still a lack of a well-thought, long-term policy or strategy for physicians' workforce development. Our study presents a Polish perspective on common challenges in medical training and workforce policy, highlighting the clash over the growing demand for physicians and the limitations of the existing system.

Male nursing students' experiences of their clinical internships: A qualitative study.

Background: Nursing has traditionally been a predominantly female profession; however, there has been a gradual increase in the proportion of male nursing students in recent years. Male nursing students may encounter distinct challenges within clinical settings, potentially impacting their physical and mental well-being. Aim: This study aims to explore the clinical internship experiences of male nursing students and provide them with adequate support for their successful adaptation to clinical roles. Methods: This study used a descriptive design and qualitative approach. The participants were enrolled using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected using individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Results: Male nursing students' experiences of their clinical internships were described through the following themes: (1) dynamics of working as a nurse, (2) not just a male nursing student, (3) gender-based stereotypes, (4) balance between forte and failing, (5) difficulties and challenges when working in hospitals, and (6) lessons learned and knowledge needs. Conclusions: Our research findings have significantly enhanced our comprehension of male nursing students' experiences and offered valuable recommendations for both nursing education and clinical practice. Simultaneously, these results provide essential information support for nursing educators and hospital administrators.

Interns' Perceived Level of Proficiency After General Surgery Rotation: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The role of interns during general surgical rotation is crucial in shaping their future careers as surgeons. Surgical rotation offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in fast-paced and challenging environments. However, interns often face significant challenges in obtaining the necessary practical training to develop proficiency in surgical techniques. This article aims to analyze some aspects of the accumulated competency of interns during their general surgery rotation, focusing on the range of skills and knowledge gained, in addition to the challenges faced. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an anonymous web-based self-assessment questionnaire. The target population of the study included all Jazan University medical interns enrolled in the academic year 2022-2023. RESULTS: Most participants showed low-to-average levels of proficiency in monitoring clinical evolution and treatment plans, ranging from fundamental awareness (n = 17, 17.5%) to working knowledge (n = 51, 52.6%), with only three participants (3.1%) reporting an expert level of proficiency. The same pattern was observed in the documentation of patient records (range: 7.2%, n = 7 for fundamental awareness to 42.3%, n = 41 for working knowledge). However, a significant proportion saw themselves as either proficient (n = 23, 23.7%) or experts (n = 15, 15.5%) in this aspect. Regarding bedside procedures, such as venipuncture, proctoscopy, nasogastric tube insertion, and urethral catheterization, the participants showed different proficiency levels, with the lowest in proctoscopy, where 66 (68.0%) of the participants reported only fundamental awareness. The results also revealed low perceived proficiency in performing surgical skin incisions, wound suturing, knot tying, application of surgical skin clips, and abscess drainage, with the lowest proficiency observed in the excision of superficial lumps as more than half of the participants reported only fundamental awareness (n = 51, 52.6%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that documentation and monitoring of patient progress are the competencies mastered most by the majority of interns during their rotations in general surgery. However, the interns' overall level of proficiency in bedside procedures and basic surgical skills acquired during their rotation was low to average. Additionally, interns were dissatisfied with their training and the opportunities provided for them to actively engage in performing procedures in the operating room. This low proficiency is unrelated to pre-internship academic achievement, sex, or interest in future surgical careers. This suggests that efforts are needed to develop strategies to enhance interns' satisfaction and engagement, ultimately improving their overall experience during internships.

Training Family Medicine Residents in Dermoscopy Using an e-Learning Course: Pilot Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancers are the most common group of cancers diagnosed worldwide. Aging and sun exposure increase their risk. The decline in the number of dermatologists is pushing the issue of dermatological screening back onto family doctors. Dermoscopy is an easy-to-use tool that increases the sensitivity of melanoma diagnosis by 60% to 90%, but its use is limited due to lack of training. The characteristics of "ideal" dermoscopy training have yet to be established. We created a Moodle (Moodle HQ)-based e-learning course to train family medicine residents in dermoscopy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the evolution of dermoscopy knowledge among family doctors immediately and 1 and 3 months after e-learning training. METHODS: We conducted a prospective interventional study between April and November 2020 to evaluate an educational program intended for family medicine residents at the University of Montpellier-Nîmes, France. They were asked to complete an e-learning course consisting of 2 modules, with an assessment quiz repeated at 1 (M1) and 3 months (M3). The course was based on a 2-step algorithm, a method of dermoscopic analysis of pigmented skin lesions that is internationally accepted. The objectives of modules 1 and 2 were to differentiate melanocytic lesions from nonmelanocytic lesions and to precisely identify skin lesions by looking for dermoscopic morphological criteria specific to each lesion. Each module consisted of 15 questions with immediate feedback after each question. RESULTS: In total, 134 residents were included, and 66.4% (n=89) and 47% (n=63) of trainees fully participated in the evaluation of module 1 and module 2, respectively. This study showed a significant score improvement 3 months after the training course in 92.1% (n=82) of participants for module 1 and 87.3% (n=55) of participants for module 2 (P<.001). The majority of the participants expressed satisfaction (n=48, 90.6%) with the training course, and 96.3% (n=51) planned to use a dermatoscope in their future practice. Regarding final scores, the only variable that was statistically significant was the resident's initial scores (P=.003) for module 1. No measured variable was found to be associated with retention (midtraining or final evaluation) for module 2. Residents who had completed at least 1 dermatology rotation during medical school had significantly higher initial scores in module 1 at M0 (P=.03). Residents who reported having completed at least 1 dermatology rotation during their family medicine training had a statistically significant higher score at M1 for module 1 and M3 for module 2 (P=.01 and P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: The integration of an e-learning training course in dermoscopy into the curriculum of FM residents results in a significant improvement in their diagnosis skills and meets their expectations. Developing a program combining an e-learning course and face-to-face training for residents is likely to result in more frequent and effective dermoscopy use by family doctors.

Changing Perceptions About the Dermatology Residency Application Process Among Applicants and Program Directors: 2020-2022.

Importance Over the last two years, dermatology has undergone significant reforms in the residency application process in efforts to reduce applicant stress, increase equity, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Objective We aimed to determine applicant and program director (PD) perspectives in implementing these changes over the last two application cycles.  Design, setting, and participants Anonymous online surveys were administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to PDs and applicants from the 2021-2022 dermatology residency application cycle. These results were compared with similar online surveys distributed after the 2020-2021 cycle. Results Coordinated interview release was introduced in the 2020-2021 dermatology application cycle. At that time, 57% of PDs and 84% of applicants wished that more programs participated in the release, compared to 53% and 84%, respectively, in the 2021-2022 cycle. In 2021, 28% of PDs reported matching applicants from their home institution higher on their list compared to 14% in 2022. In 2021 and 2022, 94% of PDs reported that diversity was an explicit goal in their application process. However, in 2021, 33% of PDs reported that they matched no UIMs (underrepresented in medicine) in their cohort, which grew to 39% in 2022. Conclusions This study identifies key trends in applicant and PD perspectives associated with changes in the application process such as coordinated interview release, virtual interviews, and emphasis on diversity. Additional data is needed from subsequent cycles in order to determine the efficacy of these reforms.

Explicit Training in Systematic Communication Strategies: A Pilot Study Exploring the Incorporation of Communication Tools by First-Year Residents in Simulation and in Clinical Practice.

OBJECTIVES: Educational approaches for training physicians in clinical communications vary, and whether physicians apply the communication skills they learn or find them useful in the clinic is not well known. The aim of this study was to determine how first-year residents who received explicit instruction in 7 communication strategies would apply them in a simulation exercise and in clinical practice. METHODS: First-year Internal Medicine residents at an urban teaching hospital received instruction in 7 systematic communication strategies: Ask-Tell-Ask, Teach-back, open-ended questioning, NURSE, open body language, pausing, and plain language. Residents were evaluated on their use of specific communication behaviors associated with the 7 strategies during a simulation exercise of disclosing a medical error to a standardized patient. Control group residents who did the simulation before attending the training program and training group residents who did the simulation after the training were compared. Residents were queried 6 months after the training program on their use of communication strategies during clinical practice. RESULTS: A total of 27 residents participated (n = 13 control group; n = 14 training group). The training group performed behaviors for "establishing patient understanding" significantly more often than the control group. Both groups used non-verbal communication and behaviors for addressing patient emotions at similar levels. Of the 24 residents who responded to the 6-month follow-up questionnaire, 24 (100%) reported using Ask-Tell-Ask, open-ended questioning, and Teach-back, and 22 (92%) reported using NURSE statements and non-verbal communication. Most respondents reported using the strategies in clinical practice often or very often (79%) and found the strategies useful or very useful (96%). CONCLUSION: Providing explicit instruction in systematic communication strategies, particularly those focused on establishing patient understanding, may be an efficient approach for helping early career physicians develop effective communication skills that can be readily implemented during clinical training and practice.

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety, depression and burnout in gynecology and obstetrics residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and burnout in residents of Gynecology and Obstetrics during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and its associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving all regions of Brazil, through the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) instrument. Multivariate analysis was performed after adjusting the Poisson model. Results: Among the 719 participating medical residents, screening was positive for anxiety in 75.7% and for depression in 49.8% of cases. Burnout syndrome was evidenced in 41.3% of the physicians studied. Those with depression are more likely to have anxiety (OR 0.797; 95%CI 0.687 - 0.925) and burnout syndrome (OR 0.847 95%CI 0.74 - 0.97). Residents with anxiety (OR 0.805; 95%CI 0.699 - 0.928) and burnout (OR 0.841; 95%CI 0.734 - 0.963) are more likely to have depression. Conclusion: High prevalence of anxiety, depression and burnout were found in residents of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Brazil, in addition to important correlations between anxiety-depression and depression-burnout.

Association of performance in medical residency selection with a psychiatric diagnosis, and depressive and anxiety symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have focused on medical students and residents' mental health impact on medical residency selection (MRS) performance. The authors evaluated the association of performance in MRS with depressive and anxiety symptoms and with a reported psychiatric diagnosis (rPD). METHODS: The authors enrolled candidates after the second round of MRS examinations at a Brazilian Medical School. Performance was assessed by final grade. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (QIDS-SR) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The authors performed mediation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the impact of rPD, state and trait anxiety, and depressive symptom severity on performance. RESULTS: 515 of the 643 MRS candidates (80.1%) participated in the study. Higher age, attending a preparatory course for MRS, rPD, and the number of MRS applications that year were associated with poorer performance. In mediation analysis, trait anxiety was associated with a direct effect on performance and an indirect effect mediated by rPD. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that psychiatric diagnosis is associated with poorer performance on MRS, regardless of current symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, increased levels of trait anxiety may negatively impact performance, directly and indirectly.

Impact of perceived social support on psychological resilience: A comparison between medical and surgical postgraduate residents.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the predictable relationship and differences between perceived social support and psychological resilience among medical and surgical postgraduate residents. Methods: The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2021 at Dr Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, and comprised postgraduate medical and surgical residents of either gender. Data was collected using validated self-administered questionnaires. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. RESULTS: Of the 200 residents, 100(50%) were medical residents and 100(50%) were surgery residents. Besides, 161 (80.5%) were females and 39(19.5%) were males. The overall mean age was 27.57±2.13 years. Mean perceived social support score was 62.53±15.41 and mean score for psychological resilience was 70.40±13.73. Perceived social support was a significant predictor of resilience (p=0.0001). Medical residents scored significantly higher (p=0.034) on perceived social support compared to residents from surgery departments. Marital status, residency year, and birth order in the family significantly differed with reference to perceived social support and resilience (p<0.05). Conclusion: There was a favourable role of perceived social support in building resilience among postgraduate residents.

Structured Textbook Review and Individualized Learning Plans Successfully Remediate Underperforming Residents and Improve General Surgery Program Performance on the ABSITE.

Background: We endeavored to create an evidence-based curriculum to improve general surgery resident fund of knowledge. Global and resident-specific interventions were employed to this end. These interventions were monitored via multiple choice question results on a weekly basis and American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) performance. Methods: This study was performed in a prospective manner over a 2-year period. A structured textbook review with testing was implemented for all residents. A focused textbook question-writing assignment and a Surgical Council on Resident Education (SCORE)-based individualized learning plan (ILP) were implemented for residents scoring below the 35th percentile on the ABSITE. Results: Curriculum implementation resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number of residents scoring below the 35th percentile, from 50% to 30.8% (P = .023). One hundred percent of residents initially scoring below the 35th percentile were successfully remediated over the study period. Average overall program ABSITE percentile scores increased from 38.5% to 51.4% over a 2-year period. Conclusion: Structured textbook review and testing combined with a question-writing assignment and a SCORE-focused ILP successfully remediated residents scoring below the 35th percentile and improved general surgery residency ABSITE performance.

Variation in Transcript Reports Among Residency Applicants: An Anesthesia Program's Perspective.

Background: With recent changes made to move USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 scores to Pass/Fail, it becomes necessary to find other metrics to evaluate residency candidates. One conserved metric included in all residency applications is medical school transcripts. This study aims to highlight the highly varied transcript reporting in a new era of holistic applicant review. Methods: Medical school transcripts were extracted from the Electronic Residency Application Service applications to our anesthesiology residency program for the 2021-2022 application cycle. All personally identifiable information was removed. Results were categorized and tallied by 2 independent reviewers. Overall, we assessed transcript information from 156 allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. Transcript data were separated into 9 different categories. Results: The most common grading system for allopathic medical schools was Pass/Fail. The most common grading system for osteopathic medical schools was Pass/Fail and Letter Grades. There were several medical schools that had unique grading systems and many of those did not provide a grading key for interpretation. Less than half of the allopathic and osteopathic schools offered Honors or High Pass in their grading systems, often with little information provided as to how these grades were earned. Conclusion: The information provided on medical school transcripts is extremely variable. Although many schools reported grades as Pass/Fail, there was no majority or consistent presentation among the transcripts. Much of the information provided on transcripts required interpretation by its reviewer and made the process of holistic applicant review more difficult.

Bingo as a Novel Approach to Skill Building in the Initial Months of Surgical Internship: A Pilot Implementation.

Introduction: We have observed inconsistencies in residents' experiences regarding important procedures and tasks necessary for patient care. We aimed to improve individual motivation to learn and become facile with specific practices earlier in the timeline of the internship years. Methods: Intern Bingo was implemented in a single general surgery residency. Two sites, both tertiary care centers with institutional practices, were utilized. Twenty-four procedures/tasks important to clinical practice were identified, including but not limited to Nasogastric Tube placement, IV insertion, incision and drainage, laceration repair, vascular doppler exam, and clinical documentation. Bingo cards were randomly generated. To assess comprehension, interns taught back necessary components to a senior resident or attending to complete each bingo square; including indications, supplies, steps, troubleshooting techniques, and complications. First, the residents were awarded prizes to complete a row and a full card (a cloth scrub cap and portable pulse-oximeter, respectively). A Likert-scale survey assessing satisfaction was administered following the completion of the internship period. Results: The first row was completed in two weeks and the first full card at four weeks. All participants finished the cards within 8 weeks. 54% of the participants returned the survey and 100% reported positive experiences. 50% felt that bingo created a healthy learning environment with improved teaching, and the remaining 50% were neutral. 75% reported that Bingo positively influenced decisions to seek out opportunities. 100% conveyed a desire to repeat Bingo as mentors. Feedback from the attendings was gathered, with positive assessments of the interns' skills and confidence. Conclusion: Bingo is a simple and easily implemented educational tool that works to alleviate variations in experience early in the internship period. It represents a novel and effective way to motivate the interns to learn important procedures and tasks within the first two months of residency. Cards may be effortlessly tailored to a variety of residency programs and rotations.

Transformation of Mandatory Physiotherapy Internship into A Structured Competency-Based Program: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Health professions education is challenging in terms of developing ways to construct and assess the amalgamation of knowledge, skills and attitudes that result in novice graduates to be self-aware and confident to practice without supervision. Currently, the Physiotherapy internship program in India does not have a comprehensive competency-based framework. With the current batch of interns facing the wrath of the COVID-19 pandemic during their undergraduate training, it is a matter of concern to ensure they have developed the required competencies to handle patients independently. Methods: This is a single-group interventional study using convenience sampling. A competency framework inclusive of a comprehensive assessment and training module was developed and introduced to 27 physiotherapy interns. Every intern underwent 10 training sessions along with 8 competency assessments during 6 months of internship training. A pre-post indigenous questionnaire was used to assess their self-perceived competency along with feedback questionnaire taken at the end of the module. Results: Implementation of the competency framework revealed a statistically significant difference in the self-perceived competency (pre=84.36±10.98, post=98.55±8.74, p≤0.000). Having uniformity in assessment techniques among the faculty, being exposed to challenging cases during assessment, having training module at the beginning of the internship were some of the suggestions given by the participants. Conclusion: Competency based education offers to be an effective technique in health professional program. Incorporating a competency-based training would help the learners to understand their strengths and weaknesses that would go a long way to develop competent health-care professionals. Developing such framework in curriculum will emphasize standardization of learning outcomes, thereby resulting in quality education, further enhancing patient care, and improving the health outcomes worldwide.

Publication Fate of Research Works Achieved During Master's Degree in Surgical Science in a French Survey.

The aim of this study was to assess the publication fate of research projects performed during the research year by students enrolled in a Master's degree (MSc) of surgical science and to identify factors associated with subsequent publication. An anonymous online survey of 35 questions was sent to students enrolled in MSc of surgical science between 2013 and 2020. The questionnaire included student's characteristics, topic, and supervision of the research projects developed during the research year and dissemination of the research work. Data regarding publication was collected using PubMed database. Factors associated with publication were identified by univariate analysis. Among 361 students, 26% completed the survey. Among respondents, the publication rate of research projects was 53.7%. The median time interval between the end of the research year and the date of publication was 2 (1-3) years. The student was listed as a first author in 70.6% of publications. Factors associated with publication of the research work completed during the research year were student's previous publications (P = 0.041) and presentation of the research work in academic conferences (P = 0.005). The most mentioned cause for non-publication was the absence of completion of the research work. Among respondents, the publication rate of research works performed during the MSc was high, which emphasizes the quality of the work carried out by the students and their involvement. Significant efforts must be undertaken to encourage the enrollment of residents in scientific research. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01973-y.

Fostering Diversity in Urology: Addressing Ethnic Disparities in Applicant and Resident Recruitment.

INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective database review, the objective was to investigate the ethnic composition of urology applicants and residents in recent years and assess whether any advancements have been made in enhancing the recruitment of candidates from historically underrepresented groups in medicine. METHODS: A retrospective database review was conducted on self-reported data on the ethnicity of urology applicants from academic year 2016 to 2017 (AY2016) to AY2021 and urology residents from AY2011 to AY2021. Applicant data were collected from the Association of American Medical Colleges, and resident data were collected from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The ethnic proportions of applicants and residents within cohorts were analyzed using χ2 tests, and differences between cohorts were analyzed using Z tests. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of White applicants from 61.4% to 50.5% from AY2016 to AY2021 and a statistically significant increase in the proportion of applicants of multiple race/ethnicity from 4.7% to 12.0% from AY2016 to AY2021. There were disproportionately more Hispanic/Latino residents than applicants and disproportionately fewer residents of multiple race/ethnicity than applicants in the 2 cycles analyzed. There were disproportionately fewer Black residents than applicants only in the comparison of AY2016 to AY2020 applicants to AY2020 residents. CONCLUSIONS: There continues to be a lack of ethnic representation among applicants and residents in urology from underrepresented groups in medicine, despite some measurable improvement over the years. This deficit highlights the important need for new and ongoing efforts to diversify the field.