Students at a crossroad: A cross-sectional survey gauging the impact of COVID-19 on medical and biomedical graduates in the United States and Sweden.

Graduate programs in medicine and biomedical sciences have been severely impacted by the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic over the last 2 years. Following 2 years since beginning of the pandemic, data on student support, educational and academic performance as well as sentiment on changes to educational programs are starting to emerge. We performed and compared results of two cross-sectional surveys of Swedish and U.S.-based medical and biomedical graduate students on how the pandemic has affected their studies, research productivity and career trajectory. Students were also asked to assess support provided by the university and supervisors. The surveys also captured student demographics and a range of other factors, such as pressures brought on by caretaking and financial responsibilities. We analyzed answers from 264 and 106 students attending graduate programs in universities in Sweden and the United States, respectively. U.S.-based students faced more severe restrictions on their research program compared to students in Sweden, reporting more delays in productivity, scientific output and graduation, and increased worries about their career trajectory. Swedish students had more caretaking responsibilities, although these did not cause any delays in graduation. While support by universities and supervisors was comparable between the countries, financial worries and mental health concerns were particularly prominent in the U.S. cohort. Student performance and outlook was hugely dependent on the breadth of the restrictions and the available support. Besides the governmental and university-led approach to counter the pandemic, societal differences also played a role in how well students were handling effects of the pandemic.

A arte de partejar um programa de pós-graduação em história: os 20 anos do Programa de Pós-graduação em História das Ciências e da Saúde: entrevista com Margarida de Souza Neves / The art of giving birth to a graduate program in history: on the 20th anniversary of the Graduate Program in the History of the Sciences and Health: interview with Margarida de Souza Neves

Resumo A entrevista aborda a participação de Margarida de Souza Neves, professora emérita da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, na criação do Programa de Pós-graduação em História das Ciências e da Saúde da Casa de Oswaldo Cruz. Para celebrar os 20 anos de existência do PPGHCS, professores que passaram pela coordenação se reúnem com a entrevistada para refletir sobre os significados da formação de um programa na área de história especializado em pesquisas sobre ciências e saúde no Brasil.

Abstract This interview explores the participation of Margarida de Souza Neves, professor emeritus at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, in the creation of the Graduate Program in the History of the Sciences and Health at Casa de Oswaldo Cruz. To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of this graduate program, professors who have served as coordinators met with Professor Neves to reflect on the meanings of shaping a program in the area of history specializing in research on science and health in Brazil.

Quantitative evaluation of training method in placing miniscrews in orthodontic graduate program.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of training residents in an orthodontic program in the placement of miniscrews by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. A total of 90 miniscrews were placed in 15 pig mandibles over a 3-year period by 15 first-year orthodontic residents. Miniscrews were divided into three groups (Control group: no radiographs; 2D group: placement with 2D radiographs; CBCT group: placement with CBCT). Proximity of the miniscrew to the neighboring root was measured. The miniscrew success rate was examined in the graduate clinic from 2015 to 2021. RESULTS: The percentage of root contact for each group was: 36.7% (11/30), 20.0% (6/30), 0% (0/30), for the Control, 2D, and CBCT groups, respectively. The CBCT group was significantly different from the Control and 2D groups (p < 0.05). For root proximity, the miniscrews were significantly closer to the roots in the Control (p < 0.001) and 2D (p < 0.001) groups compared with the CBCT group. No significant difference was observed between the Control and 2D groups (p = 0.80). There was no significant difference among the years in the miniscrew success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Training the residents in an orthodontic graduate program using CBCT may be helpful to avoid root damage and to decrease the miniscrew failure rate.

Conceptualization, development, and evaluation of ‘pharmaceutical product development’ graduate program within pharmacy discipline

Objective: Designing a region’s need-based programs can be an exceptional complement boosting the knowledge economy of the country. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasingly focusing on the pharma and biotech sectors. As a result, there have been increasing demands for qualifications in pharmacy education to fit into higher roles in pharmaceutical industries and multinational companies (MNCs) in the region. Method: This study is a case demonstration that details the design processes authors used for the graduate program ‘Pharmaceutical Product Development’. Results: The three stages in program positioning; identifying the need for the new program, program design, and development, and program effectiveness are illustrated in this manuscript. Conclusion: The authors believe that this manuscript serves as a valuable resource for novice curriculum developers in the development of new educational programs. (AU)

How to Select a Graduate School Program for a PhD in Biomedical Science.

The goal of this article is to provide guidance for those who have decided to apply to graduate school with the plan to obtain a PhD in biomedical science. Choosing an appropriate graduate school and program can seem like a daunting choice. There are numerous graduate training programs that offer excellent training with multiple specific program choices at any given institution. Thus, identifying a program that provides an optimal training environment, which aligns with the applicant's training and career goals, can be daunting. There is no single training program that is ideal for all applicants, and, fortunately, there is no sole perfect place for any individual applicant to obtain a PhD. This article presents points to consider at multiple phases of this process as collected from the authors, including a senior faculty member, a junior faculty member, and four current graduate students who all made different choices for their graduate training (Fig. 1). In Phase I of the process, the vast number of choices must be culled to a reasonable number of schools/programs for the initial application. This is one of the most challenging steps because the number of training programs is very large, and most applicants will rely primarily on information readily available on the internet. Phase II is the exciting stage of visiting the program for an interview where you can ask questions and get a feel for the place. Finally, Phase III suggests information to collect following the interview when comparing choices and making a final decision. While the process may feel long and can be stressful, the good news is that making informed decisions along the way should result in multiple options that can support excellent training and career development. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Forage agronomists are needed in animal science departments.

Ruminants serve a valuable role in sustainable agricultural systems, specifically in the conversion of renewable resources from grasslands, pasture, and other by-products into high-quality human food. Recognizing forage and grasses are grown on 25% of arable land, suitable agronomic practices for management of grazing livestock are necessary for the economic sustainability of the livestock enterprise, whereas at the same time, minimizing water and soil erosion. Demographics of undergraduate animal science students have changed over the last several years with more students from urban backgrounds and with interests other than traditional animal agriculture. Thus, continued emphasis on education programs supporting grazing livestock industries becomes that much more important. In addition, newer technologies to measure production on range and pastureland have emerged, thereby increasing opportunities for further training and education. Based on an email assessment of 10 land grant institutions, typically one MS student/yr and one PhD student/3 to 4 yr graduates with an advanced degree in forage agronomy. Overall budget reductions which impact operational costs, internal funding for research projects and graduate student stipends, force universities to focus in areas with the best chance of monetary return. Challenges with funding faculty positions outside of a department's emphasis area typically result in the question "Should forage agronomy students be trained in Departments of Animal Science or Agronomy/Plant/Soils Sciences?" It could be argued that either department is the best fit. Forage agronomy requires training in the basics of plant and soil science, but the application of those sciences within a Department of Animal Science relates more to animal science/production than to traditional crop production such as cereal grains. Animal science departments must communicate the meaningful context of forage agronomy in an active learning environment developing students' ability to critically think and solve problems. Those providing technical expertise to livestock producers can no longer make recommendations based solely on production efficiency and profitability. Instead, best management practices must include the impact of grazing livestock on the environment and environmental sustainability. Cooperative agreements between departments should be discussed to adequately support student development in this critical subject matter.

Conceptualization, development, and evaluation of 'pharmaceutical product development' graduate program within pharmacy discipline.

Objective: Designing a region's need-based programs can be an exceptional complement boosting the knowledge economy of the country. United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasingly focusing on the pharma and biotech sectors. As a result, there have been increasing demands for qualifications in pharmacy education to fit into higher roles in pharmaceutical industries and multinational companies (MNCs) in the region. Method: This study is a case demonstration that details the design processes authors used for the graduate program 'Pharmaceutical Product Development'. Results: The three stages in program positioning; identifying the need for the new program, program design, and development, and program effectiveness are illustrated in this manuscript. Conclusion: The authors believe that this manuscript serves as a valuable resource for novice curriculum developers in the development of new educational programs.

Sistema web para la gestión de la superación profesional en la Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública. 2019 / Management Web System for Professional upgrading in the National School of Public Health. 2019

La Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública ha contribuido de forma sustancial a la formación de los recursos humanos en las áreas académicas y profesionales del sistema de salud cubano, a través del desarrollo de un amplio programa de formación académica de posgrado y de superación profesional; esta última caracterizada por el desarrollo de cursos, entrenamientos, diplomados, talleres, conferencias y otras formas que generan en la institución gran número de actividades de superación. Este cúmulo de actividades presenta insuficiencias en su gestión y están desprovistas de tecnologías informáticas, que brindarían mejoras en su desempeño. Por tales motivos se realizó una investigación de desarrollo tecnológico con el objetivo de diseñar un sistema web para la gestión de actividades de superación profesional en la Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública en el año 2019. Se empleó la metodología de desarrollo de software AUP-UCI, el entorno de trabajo Vue.js escrito en lenguaje de programación JavaScript, se utilizó MongoDB como gestor de base de datos, y la herramienta Case Visual Paradigm de Lenguaje Unificado de Modelado. Se implementaron algunas funcionalidades del sistema, que se encuentra listo para fase de despliegue. El sistema satisface las necesidades de información para el proceso de superación profesional en la institución, favorece la toma de decisiones de los directivos, docentes, y usuarios vinculados en el proceso, además muestra gran factibilidad su aplicación y extensión a otras instituciones de posgrado de la educación superior de salud y otros sectores(AU)

The National School of Public Health has contributed substantially to the training of human resources in the academic and professional areas of the Cuban health system, due to the development of an extensive program of academic postgraduate training and professional upgrading. The latter is characterized by the expansion of courses, trainings, diplomas, workshops, conferences and others, generating numerous professional development activities in the institution, all of them with insufficiencies in their management and devoid of computer technologies to provide improvements in their performance. For these reasons, a technological development research was carried out in 2019 with the aim of designing a web system for the management of professional development activities at the National School of Public Health. The AUP-UCI software development methodology was used, the Vue.js working environment written in JavaScript programming language and MongoDB as the database manager, and the Case Visual Paradigm tool of Unified Modeling Language. Some functionalities of the system were implemented, which are ready for the deployment phase. The proposed system satisfies the information needs for the improvement of professional upgrading in the institution, favors decision-making by managers, professors, and users linked to the process, shows great feasibility of its application and extension to other postgraduate educational institutions in health and other sectors(AU)

Challenges in PhD education due to COVID-19 - disrupted supervision or business as usual: a cross-sectional survey of Swedish biomedical sciences graduate students.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear to what extent the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal progression of biomedical and medical science graduate programs and if there was a lasting impact on the quality and quantity of supervision of PhD-students. To date, multiple editorials and commentaries indicate the severity of the disruption without providing sufficient evidence with quantifiable data. METHODS: An online survey was submitted to the administrative offices of biomedical and medical PhD-programs at eight major universities in Sweden to gauge the impact of the pandemic on the students. It consisted of multiple-choice and open-ended questions where students could provide examples of positive and/or negative supervision strategies. Open answered questions were coded as either examples of positive or negative support. RESULTS: PhD students were divided into two groups: those with improved or unchanged supervision during the pandemic (group 1, n = 185), versus those whose supervision worsened (group 2, n = 69). Group 1 received more help from supervisors and more frequent supervision via both online and alternative platforms (email/messages and telephone). There was no significant difference in educational-stage, gender or caretaking responsibilities between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is important for the scientific community to learn how to provide the best possible supervision for PhD students during the pandemic. Our data suggests that more frequent supervision, and using a diverse array of meeting platforms is helpful. In addition, it is important for the students to feel that they have their supervisor's emotional support. Several students also expressed that they would benefit from an extension of their PhD programs due to delays caused by the pandemic.

Conhecimento, ética e política: premissas da Pós-graduação / Knowledge, ethics and politics: premise for Graduate Programs

Resumo: O artigo considera dois importantes desafios como forma de demonstrar o compromisso do Programa de Mestrado em Política e Serviço Social com, a saber: a construção de conhecimentos, em defesa da classe trabalhadora como um desafio permanente; e a implicação ética e política para produção de conhecimento como premissa para a formação no PPG.

Abstract: This article two challenges as means of illustrating the Politics and Social Work Graduate Program's commitment: knowledge building, as a permanent challenge to defend the working class; and ethical and political implications to building knowledge as an education premise on the Graduate Program.

Broadening and Strengthening Underrepresented Group Inclusion in Immunological Research.

Promoting diversity across biomedical fields is crucial for building comprehensive and innovative research programs, as well as providing trainees from underrepresented groups (URGs) the ability to establish agency and develop skills in a culturally and structurally supportive environment. Despite this awareness, there is still a lack of students from URGs being trained for independent research careers. The Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology (IMV) graduate program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (URSMD) has been working for the last 13 years to increase diversity through an NIH funded Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP). Historically, our program has trained URG scholars in Immunology, but as we have progressed we have embraced the understanding that both the scholars and the institution benefit from expanding the interdisciplinary nature of our program. Over the last 3 years, we have integrated a broader and highly collaborative faculty mentor pool, including representation from Immunology, Microbiology, Virology, Neuroscience, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Toxicology, and Biomedical Engineering. This expansion, coupled with changes in our education program, including skill building workshops and cross campus integration with our student diversity groups and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, has strengthened the competitiveness and success of our cohorts. These improvements are enhancing the diversity of our graduate school, creating a research environment that retains students from URGs in biomedical research. We attribute our success to the interdisciplinary and team-building nature of our pipeline program, as well as the URSMD's initiatives to be a more inclusive and equitable institution.

Professional master program: Preparing the nurse of the future / Maestría profesional: Preparando al enfermero del futuro / Mestrado profissional: preparando o enfermeiro do futuro

ABSTRACT Objective: Analyze the results of knowledge production from a graduate program for master's degree in nursing. Method: This is a qualitative retrospective documentary study. Data were collected from the university library repository and the program website. In total, 83 dissertations were found, analyzed and arranged into five groups: worker's health, care management, systematization of nursing care, health education, and nursing care. Results: The results indicate good practices such as manuals, guides, protocols, software, and products for systematization of care. They indicate concern about changing the reality with care practices and interventions, health education and continuing education. Final considerations: This study showed student commitment to the fields of practice when choosing the project theme. Students presented an intention to improve care, management, education and research, in the various dimensions of the profession.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de la producción de conocimiento de un programa de posgrado en enfermería, modalidad maestría profesional. Método: Investigación documental, retrospectiva, con abordaje cualitativo. Datos recolectados en repositorio de la biblioteca universitaria y en el sitio del programa. Fueron halladas 83 disertaciones, analizadas y categorizadas en cinco temas: salud del trabajador, gestión, sistematización de la atención de enfermería, educación en salud y atención de enfermería. Resultados: Los resultados sugieren buenas prácticas, como manuales, guías, protocolos, software, así como productos orientados a la sistematización de la atención. Indican preocupación por cambiar la realidad con prácticas e intervenciones asistenciales, educación en salud y capacitación continua. Consideraciones finales: Se constata el compromiso de los estudiantes con las áreas de la práctica donde actúan eligiendo el tema del proyecto. Se verifica intención de mejorar la atención, la gestión, la educación y la investigación en las variadas dimensiones del que hacer de la profesión.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os resultados da produção de conhecimento de um Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, na modalidade mestrado profissional. Método: Pesquisa documental, retrospectiva, com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu no repositório da biblioteca universitária e no site do Programa. Foram encontradas 83 dissertações, analisadas e categorizadas em cinco temas: saúde do trabalhador, gestão, sistematização da assistência de enfermagem, educação em saúde e cuidados de enfermagem. Resultados: Os resultados apontam indicativos de boas práticas, como manuais, guias, protocolos, software, bem como produtos voltados à sistematização da assistência. Indicam preocupação em mudar a realidade com práticas e intervenções assistenciais, educação em saúde e educação permanente. Considerações finais: Constata-se o comprometimento dos estudantes com os campos da prática em que atuam, na escolha de tema de projeto. Verifica-se a intenção em melhorar o cuidado, a gestão, a educação e a pesquisa nas várias dimensões do fazer da profissão.

Demystifying Graduate School: Navigating a PhD in Neuroscience and Beyond.

The decision to apply to a PhD-granting graduate program is both exciting and daunting. Understanding what graduate programs look for in an applicant will increase the chance of successful admission into a PhD program. It is also helpful for an applicant to understand what graduate training will look like once they matriculate into a PhD program to ensure they select programs that will help them reach their career objectives. This article focuses specifically on PhD programs in neuroscience, and while we use our program, the Graduate Program in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, as an example, most of what we describe is applicable to biomedical graduate programs generally. In order to ensure that our description of graduate programs is typical of neuroscience graduate programs generally, we surveyed the online websites of 52 neuroscience graduate programs around the U. S. and include our observations here. We will examine what graduate schools look for in an applicant, what to expect once admitted into a PhD graduate program, and the potential outcomes for those who successfully complete their PhD in neuroscience.

2017 Meeting of the National Directors of Graduate Studies in Pharmacology and Physiology.

The National Directors of Graduate Studies biennial meeting is a forum for directors from pharmacology and physiology graduate programs to discuss challenges and best practices for programs that are preparing trainees to be successful in the biomedical workforce. The 2017 meeting was held on the campus of Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, NY. Over the course of the 3-day event, several themes evolved, including graduate education training and curricula, diversity and career development, and scientific rigor and communication. Overall, presentations and discussions highlighted the challenges and opportunities for training PhD biomedical scientists and featured best practices from across the country.

Training to Provide Psychiatric Genetic Counseling: How Does It Impact Recent Graduates' and Current Students' Readiness to Provide Genetic Counseling for Individuals with Psychiatric Illness and Attitudes towards this Population?

Mental illness is extremely common and genetic counselors frequently see patients with mental illness. Genetic counselors report discomfort in providing psychiatric genetic counseling (GC), suggesting the need to look critically at training for psychiatric GC. This study aimed to investigate psychiatric GC training and its impact on perceived preparedness to provide psychiatric GC (preparedness). Current students and recent graduates were invited to complete an anonymous survey evaluating psychiatric GC training and outcomes. Bivariate correlations (p<.10) identified variables for inclusion in a logistic regression model to predict preparedness. Data were checked for assumptions underlying logistic regression. The logistic regression model for the 286 respondents [χ2(8)=84.87, p<.001] explained between 37.1% (Cox & Snell R2=.371) and 49.7% (Nagelkerke R2=.497) of the variance in preparedness scores. More frequent psychiatric GC instruction (OR=5.13), more active methods for practicing risk assessment (OR=4.43), and education on providing resources for mental illness (OR=4.99) made uniquely significant contributions to the model (p<.001). Responses to open-ended questions revealed interest in further psychiatric GC training, particularly enabling "hands on" experience. This exploratory study suggests that enriching GC training through more frequent psychiatric GC instruction and more active opportunities to practice psychiatric GC skills will support students in feeling more prepared to provide psychiatric GC after graduation.

Motivaciones de los estudiantes universitarios para continuar con su formación académica en programas de posgrado / Undergraduate students motivations to enroll in graduate programs / Motivação dos estudantes universitários para continuar seu treinamento acadêmico em programas de pós-graduação

Resumen Introducción. La educación se ha consolidado como estrategia que promueve el desarrollo del conocimiento y la formación de las comunidades y la formación avanzada constituye el medio para incrementar el capital intelectual de las sociedades. Objetivo. Identificar las principales motivaciones que tienen los estudiantes universitarios para continuar un proceso de formación avanzada en instituciones de Educación Superior. Metodología. Aplicación de un cuestionario auto-administrado a 728 estudiantes universitarios, de séptimo semestre en adelante, de la ciudad de Medellín. Se exploraron siete dimensiones relacionadas con la motivación para continuar sus estudios. Resultados. Se destacan factores motivacionales por parte de los estudiantes como la exigencia académica y las modalidades presenciales de la oferta académica para continuar con su proceso de formación avanzada. Conclusiones. Las Instituciones de Educación Superior deben considerar el contexto social en el que se enmarcan, así como sus propósitos fundacionales, para responder de manera adecuada a las necesidades de formación avanzada que se requiere en sus entornos.

Abstract Introduction. Education has been consolidated as a strategy to promote the development of knowledge and community vocational training; and the advanced academic degrees as the way to rise the intellectual capital in the society. Objective. Through an exploratory analysis, we try to identify the main undergraduate students motivations to enroll in a graduate program. Methodology. We applied a self-application questionnaire to 728 undergraduate students in the last semesters of their vocational training, at Medellin-Colombia. We explored seven dimensions related to the motivations to study a graduate program. Results. The undergraduate students' motivations to enroll in a graduate program are influenced by academic high level offered and traditional education (non-virtual) methodology of the advanced academic degrees. Conclusions. The Higher Education Institutions have to consider the social context in which they are inmerse, besides their foundational principles, to response effectively to the needed from people to enroll in graduate programs.

Resumo Introdução. A educação foi consolidada como uma estratégia que promove o desenvolvimento do conhecimento e a formação de comunidades, e o treinamento avançado é o meio para aumentar o capital intelectual das sociedades. Objetivo. Identificar, através de uma análise exploratória, as principais motivações que os estudantes universitários têm para continuar um processo de treinamento avançado em instituições de ensino superior. Metodologia. Aplicação de um questionário autoadministrado a 728 estudantes universitários, a partir do sétimo semestre, da cidade de Medellín. Foram exploradas sete dimensões relacionadas à motivação para continuar seus estudos. Resultados. Os fatores motivacionais por parte dos alunos, como o requisito académico e as modalidades face a face da oferta académica, são destacados para continuar com seu processo de treinamento avançado. Conclusões. As instituições de ensino superior devem considerar o contexto social em que são enquadradas, bem como seus objetivos fundamentais, para responder adequadamente às necessidades de treinamento avançado exigido em seus ambientes.

Navigating the medical physics education and training landscape.

PURPOSE: The education and training landscape has been profoundly reshaped by the ABR 2012/2014 initiative and the MedPhys Match. This work quantifies these changes and summarizes available reports, surveys, and statistics on education and training. METHODS: We evaluate data from CAMPEP-accredited program websites, annual CAMPEP graduate and residency program reports, and surveys on the MedPhys Match and Professional Doctorate degree (DMP). RESULTS: From 2009-2015, the number of graduates from CAMPEP-accredited graduate programs rose from 210 to 332, while CAMPEP-accredited residency positions rose from 60 to 134. We estimate that approximately 60% of graduates of CAMPEP-accredited graduate programs intend to enter clinical practice, however, only 36% of graduates were successful in acquiring a residency position in 2015. The maximum residency placement percentage for a graduate program is 70%, while the median for all programs is only 22%. Overall residency placement percentage for CAMPEP-accredited program graduates from 2011-2015 was approximately 38% and 25% for those with a PhD and MS, respectively. The disparity between the number of clinically oriented graduates and available residency positions is perceived as a significant problem by over 70% of MedPhys Match participants responding to a post-match survey. Approximately 32% of these respondents indicated that prior knowledge of this situation would have changed their decision to pursue graduate education in medical physics. CONCLUSION: These data reveal a substantial disparity between the number of residency training positions and graduate students interested in these positions, and a substantial variability in residency placement percentage across graduate programs. Comprehensive data regarding current and projected supply and demand within the medical physics workforce are needed for perspective on these numbers. While the long-term effects of changes in the education and training infrastructure are still unclear, available survey data suggest that these changes could negatively affect potential entrants to the profession.

In-Service Physical Educators' Experiences of Online Adapted Physical Education Endorsement Courses.

The purpose of this study was to investigate in-service physical education (PE) teachers' experiences during online adapted physical education (APE) graduate courses. Based on andragogy theory (adult learning theory) we employed a descriptive qualitative methodology using an explanatory case study design. The participants (6 female and 3 male) were in-service PE teachers enrolled in an online graduate APE endorsement program. Data collection included journal reflection reports and face-to-face interviews. A constant comparative method was used to interpret the data. Three interrelated themes emerged from the participants' narratives. The first theme, instructor communication, exposes the advantages and disadvantages the participants perceived regarding communication while enrolled in the online APE graduate courses. The second theme, bulletin board discussion experiences, described participants' perceptions of the use of the bulletin board discussion forum. Lastly, the final theme, assessment experiences, described how the participants learned knowledge and skills through online courses related to assessment and evaluation.

Neuropediatrics postgraduate students' learning process through hidden curriculum at Universidad Nacional de Colombia / Aprendizaje a través del currículo oculto en estudiantes del posgrado en Neuropediatría de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia

Abstract Based on the importance of a comprehensive professional training, this research aims at observing and describing the learning process achieved through the hidden curriculum of students enrolled in the Neuropediatrics Specialization Program at Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 2012 y 2013. A qualitative study to explore students' training, transmission of attitudes, values and ethical aspects was performed through the implementation of a semi-structured interview and a focal group. For this group of students, learning through the hidden curriculum is real and educational, allows having a better approach to patients and acquiring appropriate tools for a successful job performance. Nevertheless, it is still insufficient to address ethical dilemmas such as delivery of bad news and patients' deaths. Thus, complementing this type of learning with explicit training on bioethics is required.

Resumen Basándose en la importancia de la formación integral del profesional, se pretendió observar y describir el aprendizaje logrado a través del currículo oculto en los estudiantes matriculados en la especialidad en Neuropediatría de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia en 2012 y 2013. A través de la aplicación de una entrevista semiestructurada y de un grupo focal, se realizó un estudio cualitativo que exploró aspectos de la formación, la transmisión de actitudes y valores y los aspectos éticos de los estudiantes. Para este grupo de alumnas el aprendizaje a través del currículo oculto es real y formativo, les permite una mejor aproximación a sus pacientes y les da las herramientas para un desempeño profesional exitoso; sin embargo, es aún insuficiente para resolver dilemas éticos como enfrentar la explicación de malas noticias y el momento del final de la vida. Se requiere entonces complementar este aprendizaje con enseñanzas explícitas en el área de la bioética.

2013 Review and Update of the Genetic Counseling Practice Based Competencies by a Task Force of the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.

The first practice based competencies (PBCs) for the field of genetic counseling were adopted by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), 1996. Since that time, there has been significant growth in established and new work settings (clinical and non-clinical) and changes in service delivery models and the roles of genetic counselors. These changes prompted the ABGC to appoint a PBC Task Force in 2011 to review the PBCs with respect to their current relevance and to revise and update them as necessary. There are four domains in the revised PBCs: (I) Genetics Expertise and Analysis (II) Interpersonal, Psychosocial and Counseling Skills (III) Education and (IV) Professional Development and Practice. There are 22 competencies, each clarified with learning objectives or samples of activities and skills; a glossary is included. New competencies were added that address genomics, genetic testing and genetic counselors' roles in risk assessment, education, supervision, conducting research and presenting research options to patients. With PBCs serving as the pre-defined abilities or outcomes of training, graduating genetic counselors will be well prepared to enter the field with a minimum level of skills and abilities. A description of the Task Force's work, key changes and the 2013 PBCs are presented herein.