Comparing Perceptions of Virtual and In-Person Interviews: Results From a National Survey of Internal Medicine Residents.

Background Since 2020, virtual interviews have become the typical way in which applicants assess residency programs. It is unknown whether the change from in-person to virtual interviews has been associated with changes in perceptions of the quality of information gathered by prospective applicants. Objective To ascertain perspectives on the satisfaction with, quality of, and accuracy of information gathered by internal medicine (IM) residency applicants from virtual and in-person interviews. Methods Twenty-nine thousand, seven hundred and seventy-six residents from US and Puerto Rico residency programs sitting for the 2022 American College of Physicians Internal Medicine In-Training Examination (IM-ITE) were surveyed. An optional, 5-question survey was administered at the end of the examination. Responses were analyzed based on interview format-virtual (postgraduate year [PGY]-1-2) or in-person (PGY-3)-and PGY. Results Of 29 776, 23 161 residents responded to the survey (77.8% response rate). Regardless of PGY, respondents reported a high degree of satisfaction with the quality of information gathered from their interview day, though there was a statistically significant difference between virtual and in-person [somewhat/very satisfied: In-person 5938 of 7410 (80.1%); 95% CI [79.2, 81.0] vs virtual 12 070 of 15 751 (76.6%); 95% CI [76.0, 77.3]:P<.001]. Residents in all PGYs reported sessions with residents and one-on-one interviews as the most important factors when creating their rank lists. Conclusions We found differences in satisfaction and perceptions of the quality of information gathered between IM residents who participated in virtual and in-person interviews. However, regardless of format, most respondents reported satisfaction with their interview experience.

Tratado de Medicina Geral / General Medicine Treaty

É comum que o médico generalista necessite consultar várias fontes para se informar, se atualizar e apoiar suas condutas. Isso cria uma desgastante rotina de pesquisas e estudos e demanda um tempo do qual, muitas vezes, esse profissional não dispõe. Em uma proposta inovadora, interdisciplinar e com o objetivo de abordar as situações mais relevantes e prevalentes no dia a dia do médico generalista, especialmente daquele que trabalha em unidades básicas de saúde e serviços de pronto atendimento, a Associação Médica Brasileira, que regula todas as especialidades médicas no país, desenvolveu o Tratado de Medicina Geral, com apoio das principais sociedades médicas do Brasil.

Estudio multicéntrico sobre multimorbilidad en internados en áreas clínicas / Multicenter Study on Multimorbidity in Patients in Clinical Areas

Introducción: El estudio de la comorbilidad requiere de un enfoque multilateral con vistas a mejorar la calidad de la atención de los enfermos por el sistema de atención. Objetivos: Explorar la magnitud de la comorbilidad de enfermedades crónicas en adultos internados en los hospitales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo-observacional-longitudinal-analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes internados en las Salas de Clínica Médica o pacientes clínicos en Salas de Internación Indiscriminada. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico en 42 centros en un período de 2 años, con un muestreo consecutivo. Para el estudio se tuvo en cuenta la estadística descriptiva, inferencial y de regresión. Resultados: El total de pacientes en el estudio fue de 5925, masculinos con el 50,3 por ciento de edad 60,66 ± 0,25 años. Principal procedencia desde la guardia el 73 por ciento. La estadía hospitalaria de 12,61 ± 0,24 días, mayormente en pacientes quirúrgicos (15,45 ± 0,67 vs 11,76 ± 0,23; p < 0,00001). El 23 por ciento recibió tratamiento quirúrgico. El principal nivel educativo: secundario completo 21,6 por ciento. Dificultades económicas: 20 por ciento, mortalidad 9,26 por ciento; prevalencia de dislipemia, diabetes e hipertensión: 22,53 por ciento; 28,82 por ciento y 51,86 por ciento con 473 nuevos diagnósticos, IMC: 27,88 ± 0,65, Charlson global 2,09 ± 0,02 y en óbitos 3,84 ± 0,11. La media de patologías por paciente fue de 2,14 ± 0,01 y aumentó con la edad (p valor regresión lineal < 0,00001). Conclusiones: La hipertensión, la diabetes y la dislipemia representaron las entidades más prevalentes en Salas de Internación Clínica, Las enfermedades cardiovasculares, respiratorias, infectológicas, oncológicas, neurológicas, metabólicas y nefrológicas fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: The study of comorbidity requires a multilateral approach with a view to improving the quality of care for these patients by the care system. Objectives: To explore the magnitude of the comorbidity of chronic diseases in adults admitted to hospitals. Methods: Prospective-observational-longitudinal-analytical study. Patients hospitalized in a medical clinic room or clinical patients in indiscriminate hospitalization rooms are included, Multicenter study in 42 centers, with 2 years of recruitment. Consecutive sampling. Descriptive, inferential and regression statistics. Results: 5925 recruited, male gender 50,3percent, age 60,66 ± 0,25 years, main origin from the guard 73percent, stay 12,61 ± 0,24 days, longer in surgical (15,45 ± 0,67 vs 11,76 ± 0,23, p < 0,00001), 23percent received surgical treatment. Main educational level: complete secondary school 21,6%. Economic difficulties: 20percent, mortality 9,26percent, prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension: 22,53percent, 28,82percent and 51,86percent with 473 new diagnoses in said pathologies, BMI: 27,88 ± 0,65, Global Charlson 2,09 ± 0,02 and in deaths 3,84 ± 0,11. The average number of pathologies per patient was 2,14 ± 0,01 and increased with age (p value for linear regression < 0,00001). Conclusions: Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia represented the most prevalent entities in the clinical hospitalization room, cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious, oncological, neurological, metabolic and nephrological diseases were independent predictors of mortality(AU)

Internal medicine consultation for high-risk surgical patients: reflection on hospital mortality and readmission rates in a low-income country.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of internal medicine consultation on mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay in surgical patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study developed in a public Brazilian teaching hospital with 850 beds. RESULTS: A total of 70,245 patients were admitted from 2010 to 2018 to the surgery departments. The main outcomes measured were patients' mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay. Mortality of high-risk patients was lower when followed by internal medicine consultation: patients with ASA≥3 (RR 0.89 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) 0.80-0.99], p=0.02), patients with ASA≥3 plus≥65 years (RR 0.88 [95%CI 0.78-0.99], p=0.04), patients with ASA≥3 plus high-risk surgery (RR 0.86 [95%CI 0.77-0.97], p=0.01), and patients with ASA≥4 plus age ≥65 years (RR 0.83 [95%CI 0.72-0.96], p=0.01). The 30-day readmission of high-risk patients was lower when followed by internal medicine consultation: patients with ≥65 years (RR 0.57 [95%CI 0.37-0.89], p=0.01) and patients with high-risk surgery (RR 0.63 [95%CI 0.46-0.57], p=0.005). The Poisson multivariate regression with adjustment in variances showed that all the variables (namely, age, ASA, morbidity index, surgery risk, and internal medicine consultation) were associated with higher mortality of patients; however, internal medicine consultation was associated with a reduction of mortality in high-risk patients (RR 0.72 [95%CI 0.65-0.84], p=0.02) and an increase of mortality in low-risk patients (RR 1.55 [95%CI 1.31-1.67], p=0.01). CONCLUSION: High-risk surgical patients may benefit from perioperative internal medicine consultations, which probably decrease hospital mortality and 30-day hospital readmission.

Can the Second and Fourth Finger (2D: 4D) Ratio Guide Physicians in Choosing Internal Medicine or Surgical Branch? / ¿Puede la proporción del Segundo y Cuarto Dedo (2D: 4D) Guiar a los Médicos en la Elección de Medicina Interna o Rama Quirúrgica?

SUMMARY: This study investigates the relationship between the second and fourth finger ratio (2D:4D), physicians' propensity to choose an internal or surgical branch, and sex differences. On a voluntary basis, 177 physicians working in Elazig, 122 men and 55 women were enrolled in the study. Their hands were measured for 2D and 4D lengths, and the 2D:4D ratio was computed. In female doctors, the left hand's 2D:4D ratio is 1.01, compared to the right hand's 1.00. Male doctors' right 2D:4D ratio is 0.99, while their left 2D:4D ratio is 1.00. Male physicians' 2D:4D ratios were different from those of men in the general population, whereas female physicians' 2D:4D ratios were comparable to those of women in the general population. As a result, this study was the first to examine the relationship between the ratio of the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D), physicians' tendency to choose an internal medicine or surgical branch, and sex differences. While the 2D:4D ratio was higher than 0.98 in all physicians, it was low in women who disliked their profession and branch. Since there aren't many studies on this subject, data from in-depth studies that will be conducted in the future will help physicians who choose internal medicine and surgery make more informed decisions.

Este estudio investiga la relación entre la proporción de los dedos segundo y cuarto (2D:4D), la propensión de los médicos a elegir una rama interna o quirúrgica y las diferencias de género. De forma voluntaria, se inscribieron en el estudio 177 médicos que trabajaban en Elazig, 122 hombres y 55 mujeres. Sus manos se midieron en longitudes 2D y 4D, y se calculó la relación 2D:4D. En las médicos mujeres, la relación 2D:4D de la mano izquierda es 1,01, en comparación con 1,00 de la mano derecha. La relación 2D:4D derecha de los médicos hombres fue 0,99, mientras que la relación 2D:4D izquierda fye 1,00. Las proporciones 2D:4D de los médicos hombres fueron diferentes de las de los hombres en la población general, mientras que las proporciones 2D:4D de las mujeres médicas fueron comparables a las de las mujeres en la población general. Como resultado, este estudio fue el primero en examinar la relación entre la proporción del segundo y cuarto dedo (2D:4D), la tendencia de los médicos a elegir una rama de medicina interna o quirúrgica y las diferencias de sexo. Mientras que la relación 2D:4D fue superior a 0,98 en todos los médicos, fue baja en las mujeres que no les gustaba su profesión y rama. Dado que no hay muchos estudios sobre este tema, los datos de estudios en profundidad que se realizarán en el futuro ayudarán a los médicos que eligen medicina interna y cirugía a tomar decisiones más informadas.

Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for chronic noncommunicable diseases: a multicenter cross-sectional study of Bogotá physicians / Adherencia a recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles: estudio de corte transversal multicéntrico en médicos de Bogotá / Adesão às recomendações baseadas em evidências para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis: estudo transversal multicêntrico em médicos de Bogotá

Introduction. The management of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases, when it follows evidence-based recommendations, improves clinical outcomes and health costs. Despite its importance, little is known about adherence to guidelines and the processes for its monitoring in our environment. The objective of this study was to report the applicability and adherence to a selection of recommendations from clinical practice guidelines for noncommunicable chronic diseases by doctors in Bogotá. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study, the baseline of a cluster experiment that assessed the impact of disseminating recommendations on seven chronic diseases to patients, caregivers, and physicians. A total of 177 physicians from public and private health institutions were invited. Consecutive samples of their medical records were manually reviewed in predefined time ranges (up to 20 patients per physician, with up to two diseases of interest). The proportions of applicability and adherence were calculated according to 40 recommendations. Results. The 177 physicians who participated (out of 266 eligible) were from seven institutions, and 3,747 medical records (21,093 patients/recommendation) were analyzed. The general applicability was 31.9% (95% CI 31.3-32.6%), and it varied considerably by recommendation (range 0.3-100%) and disease (range 10.7-65%). Overall adherence was 42.0% (95% CI 40.8-43.2%), with higher adherence in acute coronary syndrome patients (58.4%) and lower adherence in diabetes mellitus patients (23.7%). Discussion. This is the most up-to-date, exhaustive, and representative measurement of adherence to guideline recommendations by doctors in Bogotá. Conclusions. Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases in Bogotá is poor and highly variable. Keywords: Practice Guideline; Evidence-Based Medicine; Noncommunicable Diseases; Quality of Health Care; Implementation Science; Internal Medicine; Primary Health Care

Introducción. El manejo de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, cuando se realiza a partir de recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia, mejora los desenlaces clínicos y los costos en salud. Pese a su importancia, poco se conocen la adherencia a las recomendaciones de guías y los procesos para su monitoreo en nuestro medio. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la aplicabilidad y la adherencia a una selección de recomendaciones de guías de práctica clínica, en enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, por médicos de Bogotá. Metodología. Estudio de corte MSc.Participaron 177 médicos de instituciones de salud públicas y privadas. Se revisaron manualmente muestras consecutivas de sus historias clínicas en rangos de tiempo predefinidos (meta hasta 20 pacientes por médico, en hasta dos enfermedades de interés). Se calcularon las proporciones de aplicabilidad y adherencia en 40 recomendaciones. Resultados. Participaron 177 médicos (de 266 elegibles), de 7 instituciones, con 3,747 historias clínicas (21,093 pacientes/recomendación) analizadas. La aplicabilidad general fue 31.9% (IC95% 31.3%-32.6%), y varió considerablemente por recomendación (rango 0.3%-100%) y enfermedad (rango 10.7%-65%). La adherencia general fue 42.0% (IC95% 40.8% -43.2%), siendo mayor en síndrome coronario agudo (58.4%) y menor en diabetes mellitus (23.7%). Discusión. Esta es la medición más actualizada, exhaustiva y representativa de la adherencia a las recomendaciones de guías por parte de médicos de Bogotá. Conclusiones. La adherencia a recomendaciones basadas en evidencia, para pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles de Bogotá, es deficiente y altamente variable. Palabras clave: Guía de Práctica Clínica; Medicina Basada en la Evidencia; Enfermedades no Transmisibles; Calidad de la Atención de Salud; Ciencia de la Implementación; Medicina Interna; Atención Primaria de Salud

Introdução. O manejo de pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, quando realizado com base em recomendações baseadas em evidências, melhora os resultados clínicos e os custos de saúde. Apesar da sua importância, pouco se sabe sobre a adesão às recomendações das diretrizes e os processos para monitorá-la em nosso meio. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a aplicabilidade e adesão a uma seleção de recomendações das diretrizes de prática clínica, em doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, por médicos em Bogotá. Metodologia. Estudo transversal (linha de base de um experimento cluster que avalia o impacto da divulgação de recomendações sobre sete doenças crônicas a pacientes, cuidadores e médicos). Participaram 177 médicos de instituições de saúde públicas e privadas. Foram revisadas manualmente amostras consecutivas de seus prontuários em intervalos de tempo pré-definidos (alvo de até 20 pacientes por médico, em até duas doenças de interesse). Foram calculadas proporções de aplicabilidade e adesão para 40 recomendações. Resultados. Participaram 177 médicos (de 266 elegíveis), de 7 instituições, com 3,747 prontuários (21,093 pacientes/recomendação) analisados. A aplicabilidade geral foi de 31.9% (IC 95% 31.3%-32.6%) e variou consideravelmente por recomendação (intervalo 0.3%-100%) e doença (intervalo 10.7%-65%). A adesão geral foi de 42.0% (IC 95% 40.8%-43.2%), sendo maior na síndrome coronariana aguda (58.4%) e menor na diabetes mellitus (23.7%). Discussão. Esta é a medição mais atualizada, exaustiva e representativa da adesão às recomendações das diretrizes por médicos em Bogotá. Conclusões. A adesão às recomendações baseadas em evidências para pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em Bogotá é fraca e altamente variável. Palavras-chave: Guia de Prática Clínica; Medicina Baseada em Evidências; Doenças não Transmissíveis; Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde; Ciência da Implementação; Medicina Interna; Atenção Primária à Saúde

Historia de vida del Dr. C. Oscar B. Alonso Chil, ejemplo para la educación médica cubana / Life history of Ph.D. Oscar B. Alonso Chil, a role model for cuban medical education

Introducción: El Dr. C. Oscar B. Alonso Chil (1930-2021) formó parte de los médicos que permanecieron en Cuba después del triunfo de la Revolución. Fue fundador de servicios de asistencia en medicina interna y geriatría, y realizó importantes contribuciones a la docencia médica. Objetivo: Exponer la trayectoria de Oscar B. Alonso Chil como médico y docente de la medicina cubana revolucionaria, a través de su historia de vida. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo y de corte cualitativo, donde se utilizó la técnica de la historia de vida, centrada en el aspecto profesional. Para ello se hizo una entrevista semiestructurada al testimoniante como fuente fundamental de información. Se validó el testimonio oral mediante la revisión de la documentación oficial en su expediente docente y la literatura científica existente relacionada con el tema, además de entrevistas a sus alumnos y compañeros de trabajo. Desarrollo: Se constató que fundó servicios; organizó la actividad docente; realizó tutorías, publicaciones y asesorías; y fue miembro de tribunales y consejos científicos. Cada una de sus actividades las desempeñó con gran compromiso e incondicionalidad a su profesión, lo cual le generó mucha satisfacción con la vida. Llegó a ostentar las más altas distinciones por su trabajo: Especialista de Segundo Grado en Medicina Interna, y Profesor Titular, Consultante y de Mérito de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana. Conclusiones: Oscar B. Alonso Chil contribuyó al desarrollo de la medina interna en Cuba en la etapa revolucionaria. Este profesor representa un modelo para los estudiantes de ciencias médicas por su prestigio profesional y científico(AU)

Introduction: Ph.D. Oscar B. Alonso Chil (b. 1930-d. 2021) was one of the physicians who stayed in Cuba after the triumph of the Revolution. He was a founder of the healthcare services for internal medicine and geriatrics, and made important contributions to medical teaching. Objective: To present the professional career of Oscar B. Alonso Chil as a physician and teacher of revolutionary Cuban medicine, through his life history. Methods: A descriptive and qualitative study was carried out, using the life history technique, focused on the professional aspect. For this purpose, a semistructured interview was conducted with the testimony witness as a fundamental source of information. The oral testimony was validated by reviewing the official documentation in his teaching file and the existing scientific literature related to the subject; in addition to interviews with his students and coworkers. Development: It was observed that he founded services, organized the teaching activity, supervised research, made publications and consultancies, and was a member of scientific boards and councils. He performed each of these activities with great commitment and unconditionality to his profession, which gave him great satisfaction with life. He achieved holding the highest distinctions for his work: second-degree specialist in Internal Medicine, as well as Full Professor, Faculty Consultant and Emeritus Professor of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Conclusions: Oscar B. Alonso Chil contributed to the development of internal medicine in Cuba during the revolutionary period. This professor represents a role model for students of medical sciences due to his professional and scientific prestige(AU)

[Position of the international forum of internal medicine on habits, lifestyle changes and a healthy environment for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases]. / Posicionamiento del foro Internacional de Medicina Interna sobre Hábitos, modificaciones del Estilo de Vida y Ambiente Saludable para la Prevención de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mainly ischemic heart disease and stroke, is the main cause of death worldwide and each year more people die from CVD than from any other cause. These data call for a paradigm shift, where health promotion and cardiovascular prevention will acquire a central role in health policies. From this perspective, dedicating time during the consultation to promoting the acquisition of heart-healthy habits would be indicated in all individuals, regardless of cardiovascular risk classification, the role of the internist being fundamental. This position document from the International Forum of Internal Medicine (FIMI) presents the main indications regarding changes in lifestyle and acquisition of healthy habits to prevent CVD. The different sections will address topics including: nutrition, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, stress, environmental problems related to CVD and specific conditions in women. A section is included about starting CVD promotion and prevention measures at an early age, childhood and adolescence, also mentioning epigenetic aspects related to CVD. Social determinants in CVD are also taken into account, since some of these aspects, such as low socioeconomic level, modify cardiovascular risk and should be taken into account.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV), principalmente la cardiopatía isquémica y el accidente cerebrovascular (ACV), constituyen la principal causa de muerte a nivel mundial y cada año mueren más personas por ECV que por cualquier otra causa. Estos datos requieren la necesidad de un cambio de paradigma, en donde la promoción de la salud y la prevención cardiovascular adquieran un papel central en las políticas sanitarias. Desde esta perspectiva, dedicar tiempo durante la consulta en promocionar la adquisición de hábitos cardiosaludables estaría indicado en todos los individuos, independientemente de la clasificación de riesgo cardiovascular, siendo fundamental el rol del médico internista en su función de médico de cabecera. En este documento de posicionamiento del Foro Internacional de Medicina Interna (FIMI) se presentan algunas pautas para recomendar e indicar modificaciones en el estilo de vida y adquisición de hábitos saludables para prevenir la ECV, que tienen el objetivo de ser una herramienta practica para el médico internista. Las diferentes secciones abordaran temas que incluyen: nutrición, actividad física, sedentarismo, obesidad, hábito tabáquico, consumo de alcohol, sueño, estrés, problemas ambientales relacionados a la ECV y condiciones específicas en la mujer. Se incluyó un apartado acerca de comenzar las medidas de promoción y prevención de ECV en edades tempranas, infancia y adolescencia, mencionando además aspectos epigenéticos relacionados a la ECV. Se tienen en cuenta además los determinantes sociales en ECV, ya que algunos de estos aspectos, como el bajo nivel socioeconómico, modifican el riesgo cardiovascular y debieran ser tenidos en cuenta.

Is Modified Early Warning Score associated with clinical outcomes of patients admitted to a university internal medicine ward?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the MEWS association with the clinical outcomes (CO) of patients admitted to an internal medicine ward (IMW) at a Brazilian university hospital (UH). INTRODUCTION: It is important to quickly identify patients with clinical deterioration, especially in wards. The health team must recognize and act before the situation becomes an adverse event. In Brazil, nurses' work to overcome performance myths and the application of standardized predictive scales for patients in wards is still limited. DESIGN: An observational cohort study designed and developed by a registered nurse that followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. METHODS: Data were collected from the IMW of a UH located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil (2017). An ROC curve was calculated to strengthen the use of a MEWS of < or ≥ 4 as a cutoff. CO of the two subgroups were compared. RESULTS: Three hundred patients completed the study; their vital signs were recorded consecutively throughout hospitalization in the IMW. The highest MEWS value each day was considered for analysis. Scores < 4 were significantly associated with a higher probability of hospital discharge, a lower chance of transfer to the ICU, a lower total number of days of hospitalization, and a lower risk of death. Score ≥ 4 had worse CO (orotracheal intubation and cardiac monitoring), transfer to the ICU, and increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: Scores < 4 were associated with positive outcomes, while scores ≥ 4 were associated with negative outcomes. MEWS can help prioritize interventions, increase certainty in decision-making, and improve patient safety, especially in a teaching IMW with medical teams undergoing professional development, thereby ensuring the central role of the nursing team in Brazil. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: MEWS aid nurses in identifying and managing patients, prioritizing interventions through assertive decision-making.

Homenaje a la Revista Médica de Chile en sus 150 años de vida (1872-2022) / A tribute to Revista Médica de Chile on its 150th Anniversary (1872-2022)

Revista Médica de Chile was founded in 1872 by Sociedad Médica de Santiago (currently Chilean Society of Internal Medicine) and it is one out of twenty five medical journals founded during the XIX Century that still remain active. In monthly issues it presents clinical and biomedical research articles, as well as research and position papers dealing with medical education, public health or medical ethics. Special attention receive the impact on health care given by the emergence of new private medical schools in Chile, the relevance of methodologies to assess clinical competences in graduates, the certification of specialty programs and specialists, the appropiate use of simulators in clinical training, telemedicine, organ transplants, and current issues in medical ethics, such as abortions and euthanasia. Institutional and international collaboration in medical research is clearly reflected in recent years. Articles are subjected to external peer review and ICMJE Recommendations are carefully considered throughout the review process. Most articles are published in Spanish but English abstracts are mandatory and a growing number of articles are currently published in English. An Open Access electronic version is published by SciELO. Revista Médica de Chile is indexed in the most important international data bases and it is a member of the ICMJE ruling committee. The long life and prestige of this journal can be considered a testimony of the cultural heritage and progress in Chilean medicine.

Alfredo Darío Espinosa Brito: insigne de las ciencias médicas / Alfredo Darío Espinosa Brito: a distinguished figure in medical sciences

Introducción: Cuando se habla del símbolo de las generaciones de especialistas que se dedican a la Medicina Interna es necesario referirse al Doctor Alfredo Darío Espinosa Brito, destacado internista cienfueguero que cuenta con una fecunda trayectoria merecedora del reconocimiento de la comunidad médica. Objetivo: Describir los acontecimientos significativos de su vida y obra. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de tipo descriptiva, que utiliza la historia de vida para lograr su propósito. Fue empleado el método teórico histórico-lógico; para la recolección de datos, se realizó una revisión documental y el testimonio directo de la voz del profesor como fuente primaria de obtención de la información. Desarrollo: los progenitores le inculcaron nobles principios de honradez que definieron su personalidad. Tuvo una trayectoria estudiantil sobresaliente marcada por ideas progresistas. Cuenta con una brillante carrera profesional merecedora de múltiples condecoraciones, pues su influencia ha sido esencial en la enseñanza del método clínico. Conclusiones: El doctor Espinosa ha contribuido sobremanera al desarrollo de la Medicina Interna, la Terapia Intensiva y la Geriatría en el territorio, además de realizar importantes aportes docentes, investigativos, teóricos y prácticos al avance de la enseñanza y de la Salud Pública en Cuba(AU)

Introduction: When talking about the symbol of the generations of specialists dedicated to Internal Medicine, it is necessary to refer to Dr. Alfredo Darío Espinosa Brito, an outstanding internist from Cienfuegos who has a fruitful career deserving the recognition of the medical community. Objective: To describe the significant events of his life and work. Methods: A descriptive research was carried out, using life history to achieve its purpose. The historical-logical theoretical method was used; for data collection, a document review and the direct testimony of the professor's voice were used as the primary source of information. Development: His parents instilled in him noble principles of honesty that defined his personality. He had an outstanding student career marked by progressive ideas. He has a brilliant professional career deserving of multiple decorations, as his influence has been essential in the teaching of the clinical method. Conclusions: Dr. Espinosa has contributed greatly to the development of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care and Geriatrics in the territory, in addition to making important teaching, research, theoretical and practical contributions to the advancement of teaching and Public Health in Cuba(AU)

Formación entre pares. Experiencia digital sincrónica en tiempos de pandemia / Peer to peer education among internal medicine residents using digital platforms

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 impacted all areas of our society, and we took advantage of new technologies such as telemedicine to deliver information. Peer education is another tool that can be used. AIM: To report the experience of peer education among residents using a digital platform. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A digital educational program was devised in which third year residents exposed different relevant topics in internal medicine to their first year peers using Zoom. The educational process was evaluated using a Likert scale. RESULTS: A high level of satisfaction was found among the respondents according to the scale. Conclusions: There was a high level of satisfaction with the used methodology among first-year residents. A more exhaustive evaluation of this educational program should be worthwhile.

Utilidad atribuida por los estudiantes a los recursos para el aprendizaje de la Medicina Interna / Usefulness of learning resources for internal medicine recognized by students

Introducción: En la educación médica superior, las opiniones de los estudiantes constituyen valiosas herramientas para justipreciar la calidad del proceso docente educativo. En la asignatura Medicina Interna es importante determinar los recursos de aprendizaje más provechosos y atractivos para los estudiantes, con el propósito de mejorar la calidad del proceso docente educativo. Objetivos: Identificar la utilidad que los estudiantes le atribuyen a los recursos didácticos para el aprendizaje de los contenidos teóricos de la asignatura Medicina Interna. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo y transversal en el Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Joaquín Albarrán Domínguez. La muestra incluyó 483 estudiantes de la asignatura Medicina Interna de los cursos 2016-2017 y 2017-2018, a los que se les aplicó una encuesta para identificar sus opiniones sobre la utilidad que le atribuyen a los recursos para el aprendizaje de los contenidos teóricos de la asignatura Medicina Interna. Resultados: El 67,5 por ciento de los estudiantes prefiere disponer de materiales digitales confeccionados por los profesores con preguntas para su autoevaluación, el 67,3 por ciento considera que puede aprender los contenidos teóricos de la asignatura solo mediante el estudio independiente, el 32,1 por ciento encuentra útil asistir a las conferencias y el 84,1 por ciento prefiere consultar al profesor para aclarar sus dudas. Conclusiones: Para alcanzar mayor eficiencia en el aprendizaje de los contenidos teóricos de la asignatura Medicina Interna, debe potenciarse el desarrollo de modalidades de clases taller que tengan en cuenta las expectativas de los estudiantes y promuevan el empleo de recursos didácticos para el aprendizaje activo(AU)

Introduction: In higher medical education, students´ s opinions are valuable tools to assess the quality of the educational teaching process. In the Internal Medicine subject, it is important to determine the most profitable and attractive learning resources for students, with the purpose of improving the quality of the educational teaching process. Objectives: To identify the usefulness that students attribute to the didactic resources for learning the theoretical contents of Internal Medicine. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was carried out at Joaquín Albarrán Domínguez Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital. The sample included 483 students of the Internal Medicine of 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years, to whom a survey was applied to identify their opinions on the usefulness they attribute to the resources for learning theoretical contents of Internal Medicine. Results: 67.5 percent of students prefer to have digital materials made by teachers with questions for self-assessment, 67.3 percent consider that they can learn theoretical content of the subject only through independent study, 32.1 percent find it useful to attend the lectures and 84.1 percent prefer to consult the professor to clarify their questions. Conclusions: In order to achieve better efficiency in learning theoretical contents of Internal Medicine, workshop- class modalities should be promoted to take into account the expectations of the students and promote the use of didactic resources for active learning(AU)

Online team-based electrocardiogram training in Haiti: evidence from the field.

BACKGROUND: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most relied upon tool for cardiovascular diagnosis, especially in low-resource settings because of its low cost and straightforward usability. It is imperative that internal medicine (IM) and emergency medicine (EM) specialists are competent in ECG interpretation. Our study was designed to improve proficiency in ECG interpretation through a competition among IM and EM residents at a teaching hospital in rural central Haiti in which over 40% of all admissions are due to CVD. METHODOLOGY: The 33 participants included 17 EM residents and 16 IM residents from each residency year at the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais (HUM). Residents were divided into 11 groups of 3 participants with a representative from each residency year and were given team-based online ECG quizzes to complete weekly. The format included 56 ECG cases distributed over 11 weeks, and each case had a pre-specified number of points based on abnormal findings and complexity. All ECG cases represented cardiovascular pathology in Haiti adapted from the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine evaluation list. The main intervention was sharing group performance and ECG solutions to all participants each week to promote competition and self-study without specific feedback or discussion by experts. To assess impact, pre- and post-intervention assessments measuring content knowledge and comfort for each participant were performed. RESULTS: Overall group participation was heterogeneous with groups participating a median of 54.5% of the weeks (range 0-100%). 22 residents completed the pre- and post-test assessments. The mean pre- and post-intervention assessment knowledge scores improved from 27.3% to 41.7% (p = 0.004). 70% of participants improved their test scores. The proportion of participants who reported comfort with ECG interpretation increased from 57.6% to 66.7% (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates improvement in ECG interpretation through a team-based, asynchronous ECG competition approach. This method is easily scalable and could help to fill gaps in ECG learning. This approach can be delivered to other hospitals both in and outside Haiti. Further adaptations are needed to improve weekly group participation.

Trends of sources of clinical research funding from 1990 to 2020: a meta-epidemiological study.

Evidence has raised concerns regarding the association between funding sources and doubtful data. Our main outcome was to analyze trends on funding sources in articles published from 1990 to 2020 in the more influential journals of internal and general medicine. In this meta-epidemiological study, we included peer-reviewed studies from the 10 highest impact journals in general and internal medicine published between January 1990 and February 2020 based on published original research according to the 2018 InCites Journal of Citation Reports, these consisted of the following: The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, JAMA, BMJ, JAMA Internal Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, PLOS Medicine, Cachexia, BMC Medicine, and Mayo Clinic Proceedings Two reviewers working in duplicate extracted data regarding year of publication, study design, and sources of funding. In total, 496 articles were found; of these, 311 (62.7%) were observational studies, 167 (33.7%) were experimental, and 16 (3.2%) were secondary analyses. Percentages of grant sources through the years were predominantly from government (60%), industry (23.83%), and non-governmental (16.06%) organizations. The percentage of industry subsidies tended to decrease, but this was not significant in a linear regression model (r=0.02, p≥0.05). Government and non-government funding sources showed a trend to decrease in the same univariate analysis with both significant associations (r=0.21, p≤0.001 and r=0.10, p≤0.001, respectively). The main funding source in medical research has consistently been government aid. Despite previous reported data, no association was found between the source of funding and statistically significant results favoring study authors' hypothesis.