Journal of surgical education
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Effectiveness of laparoscopic computer simulator versus usage of box trainer for endoscopic surgery training of novices.
Teaching of laparoscopic skills is a challenge in surgical training programs. Because of the highly technical nature and the steep learning curve, students and residents must learn laparoscopic skills before performing them in the operating room. To improve efficiency of learning and patient safety, research in simulation is essential. Two types of simulators currently in use include virtual reality and box trainers. Our study examined which simulator technique was most effective in teaching novice trainees laparoscopic techniques. ⋯ We conclude that laparoscopic simulator training improves surgical skills in novice trainees. We found both the box trainers and the virtual reality simulators are equally effective means of teaching laparoscopic skills to novice learners.
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Comparative Study
Trends in research time, fellowship training, and practice patterns among general surgery graduates.
A comparison of research experience, fellowship training, and ultimate practice patterns of general surgery graduates at a university-based surgical residency program. Research experience correlated with pursuing fellowship training and predicted an eventual academic career. More recently, graduates have been able to obtain fellowships without a dedicated research year, perhaps reflecting shifting fellowship training opportunities. ⋯ Surgical residents have completed more dedicated research years and became increasingly fellowship-trained over time. The proportion of female graduates has increased with similar increases in research time and fellowship training in this subgroup. In the earlier decade, dedicated research experiences during surgical residency correlated with pursuing fellowship training, and predicted an eventual academic career. More recently, graduates have obtained fellowships and academic positions without dedicated research time, perhaps reflecting shifting fellowship opportunities.
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Cultural competency is gaining recognition as an essential strategy by which to address health care disparities. A closer examination of medical school curriculums was undertaken to determine how the need for cultural competency and humility (CCH) training in medical education is being addressed. ⋯ Recognizing the need for CCH training during the third and fourth years of medical education, we explored the issues inherent to the integration of CCH training in clinical education. Using surgery as a model, we established a set of recommendations to assist clerkship directors and curriculum committees in their efforts to ensure CCH training in the last 2 years of medical education.