Middle cerebellar peduncle approach for Nocardia brainstem abscess: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Nocardia cyriacigeorgica represents a rare cause of cerebral abscesses. Rarer still are brainstem abscesses caused by this bacterial species in immunocompetent hosts. In fact, only one such brainstem abscess case has been described in the neurosurgical literature to our knowledge to date. Herein, a case of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica abscess in the pons is reported, as well as a description of its surgical evacuation via the transpetrosal fissure, middle cerebellar peduncle approach. The authors review the utility of this well-described approach in treating such lesions safely and effectively. Finally, the authors briefly review, compare, and contrast related cases to this one. OBSERVATIONS: Augmented reality is additive to and useful for well-described safe entry corridors to the brainstem. Despite surgical success, patients may not regain previously lost neurological function. LESSONS: The transpetrosal fissure, middle cerebellar peduncle approach is safe and effective in evacuating pontine abscesses. Augmented reality guidance supplements but does not replace thorough knowledge of operative anatomy for this complex procedure. A reasonable degree of suspicion for brainstem abscess is prudent even in immunocompetent hosts. A multidisciplinary team is critical to the successful treatment of central nervous system Nocardiosis.

Evaluating Diversity and Inclusion Content on Graduate Medical Education Websites.

Websites are important tools for programs to provide future residency applicants with freely accessible information regarding their program, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. OBJECTIVE: To describe the variability of DEI content in residency programs and compare DEI website content by specialty. METHODS: Using the 2021 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) list of residency programs, residency training websites were identified and evaluated. Information was extracted from program websites as indicators of DEI content. Chi-square analysis and one-way ANOVA were chosen to assess for statistical differences. RESULTS: In total, 4644 program websites representing 26 specialties were assessed. Among all the programs, the average DEI completeness of a program website was 6.1±14.6% (range 0-100%). While 6.2% of all programs had a diversity webpage, only 13.3% included a commitment to DEI, and few programs (2.7%) provided information about underrepresented in medicine (URiM) faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Graduate medical education programs can enhance information for current and prospective applicants about DEI initiatives on their websites. Including DEI initiatives on residency websites may improve diversity recruitment efforts.

How well do urology residency program webpages recruit underrepresented minorities?

INTRODUCTION: Historically, the field of medicine has suffered from a lack of diversity. This project examines if urology residency program websites were actively attempting to recruit underrepresented minority applicants with the hypothesis that while some programs would attempt to attract such applicants on their website, the majority would not. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of program webpages for information regarding underrepresented minorities was performed. Electronic Residency Application Service residency database was used to identify 130 urology residency programs. Three were no longer accepting residents and were not included. The publicly available webpages of 137 urology residency training programs identified were reviewed. RESULTS: Only 26.3% (36) of programs included any information regarding diversity or inclusion on their webpage. The most common references to diversity were a link to a Department of Diversity and Inclusion (28, 20.4%) and information regarding a "commitment to diversity" (28, 20.4%). Only two programs included all seven categories searched for. CONCLUSIONS: Residency program websites may be an important tool to recruit underrepresented minorities and currently there is significant room for improvement. Given that urology is already behind other fields in terms of representation, it is especially important to make an active, visible attempt to recruit underrepresented minorities.