Impact of programmed reading on ABSITE performance
Article Abstract:
Although it takes more than just factual knowledge to make a competent surgeon, the competent surgeon must have an adequate base of knowledge. In 1975 the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) was established to define the content of a minimum data base and to evaluate the level of knowledge of individual surgical residents. There is a growing concern that despite five or six years of intensive training, a surgeon may emerge from his or her residency with gaps in fundamental surgical knowledge. Although this examination evaluates only one element in the creation of a competent surgeon, it does evaluate this element well (basic surgical knowledge). Using this method, one residency program noted a deficiency in knowledge in their residents, in particular, the improvement in test scores from one level of residency to the next level did not compare well with national norms. A program of regular required textbook reading was instituted along with nonmandatory weekly discussion sessions. A report is presented of the effects of this change on teaching methods and test scores of the residents. Forty residents were involved in this program over a two-year period. Their test results were compared with those of a control group consisting of the 44 residents who were in the same residency program the two previous years, when regular reading was not required. Among the first-year residents, neither reading nor discussion correlated strongly with test performance. Residents further along in their training (second- through fifth-year residents) showed a cumulative improvement. Individual improvement was highly correlated with the amount of reading completed. Discussion group attendance had little effect on test scores. These results demonstrate that a required reading program can improve test scores, and that this improvement is directly proportional to the amount of effort put into the reading. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Surgery
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9610
Year: 1991
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Achievements, present-day problems, and some solutions for trauma care, surgical critical care, and surgical education
Article Abstract:
A major accomplishment in this century has been the increased understanding of the pathology and improved care of the injured patient. Education in trauma care is usually received outside the surgical residency program, through military experience or specialized training. A review is presented of current care of the trauma patient, focusing on the importance of trauma care, critical care and education programs. Development of a modern trauma care system requires careful planning and coordination. Trauma systems are usually built on existing resources. Hospital care is provided at three levels, with level I being the most elaborate. The level I hospital is also the center for education and research. Surgeons trained in the care of trauma patients must be involved in the development of medical aspects of a regional trauma system. Increased public awareness has led to the development of stimulated regional trauma centers. Inhibiting factors have been regional geography, political issues, economics and refusal of people in a region to recognize that trauma is a problem in their area. Unexpectedly, inadequate training of surgeons in trauma was a hindrance to developing a trauma system. Because of an absence of leadership within surgery, many surgeons interested in critical care have turned to multidisciplinary professional societies for opportunities for scientific discussion. Some solutions include resisting fragmentation with the specialty of surgery; making trauma specialty training an outgrowth of basic residency training; emphasizing the educational obligations of the trauma center, particularly with respect to training of surgeons and research. It is important that further specialization within the field of surgery be linked to the base of knowledge of general surgery. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Surgery
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9610
Year: 1991
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Educational research in perspective
Article Abstract:
Researchers submitting articles in the area of surgical education have had continuing difficulty in getting their papers published. Some of the factors responsible for this include competition for publication space and the perception that research in education is not 'hard science'. Also, outcome assessment in education is a lengthy process, and the evaluation of outcome may be vague and not widely agreed upon. A review of the literature reveals that much of the published material concerning education has not been scientific research but rather testimonial. Education is an important field of research for academic surgeons, and its importance will increase. It is necessary for medicine to reexamine its attitude toward medical education. Even full-time medical school faculty are not primarily educators by training or interest. The future of the medical profession depends on how the medical educators carry out their duties. It is necessary to refocus our attention on education. This should be reflected by a greater prominence in the major medical journals of educationally oriented articles. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Surgery
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9610
Year: 1990
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