This study delves into the impact of the attending surgeon’s and surgical resident’s gender on evaluations in the operating room. Female attending surgeons rated female residents lower in terms of autonomy compared to their male counterparts. However, male attendings only showed a significant difference in autonomy ratings for female residents in highly complex cases. These […]
Category: Perspectives, Opinions and Curiosities
Research Residents Improve Student Perceptions of Surgery Clerkship
The surgical clerkship is a pivotal part of medical education, influencing students’ views on surgery. A program at one institution enlisted research residents as junior clerkship coordinators and educators. Student feedback before and after implementing this program showed no change in overall course perception. However, students noted improved clarity in written clerkship materials and found […]
Digestive Cancer Surgery Outcomes in Low-Mid Income Countries: A Close Look at Morbidity and Mortality
This study delves into the postoperative outcomes of digestive cancer surgeries with curative intent in a low-mid income country. Analyzing data from 76 patients, the study revealed that immediate preoperative morbidity was around 36.84%, with a mortality rate of 5.26%. At 90 days post-surgery, morbidity remained consistent, while mortality increased to 7.9%. The research identified […]
Simulation in Residency Transition Programs Lacks Emphasis on Non-Clinical Skills
Transition to residency programs often incorporate simulation to enhance clinical skills but tend to overlook non-clinical skills. In a scoping review of 38 articles, researchers found that simulation activities, such as mock paging and procedural skills training, primarily focused on clinical aspects. The most common simulation tools were standardized patients. While communication skills, critical thinking, […]
Balanced Blood Transfusions Improve Survival in Trauma Patients
A retrospective analysis of trauma patients receiving blood transfusions aimed to validate findings from a previous study on transfusion outcomes. Researchers analyzed 17,047 patients and found that mortality increased with each unit of packed red blood cells transfused, with a higher likelihood of death at 11 units. Notably, patients receiving balanced transfusions had better survival […]
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act Falls Short in Improving Surgical Outcomes for Non-English Speakers
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which mandated the use of qualified language interpreters, had an unintended impact. A study analyzing surgical outcomes in non-English primary language speakers (N-EPL) found that after Section 1557’s implementation, N-EPL patients experienced increased mortality, post-operative complications, and non-routine discharges. Contrary to expectations, the regulation did not lead to […]
Enhancing Surgical Ward Rounds: Checklists and More
A systematic review delved into strategies to improve surgical ward rounds. Checklists, technology, personnel, and well-being interventions were among the methods studied. Checklists were the most prevalent and demonstrated significant enhancements in documentation, staff understanding, and patient satisfaction. Other interventions also improved communication, patient safety, and reduced patient stress. The findings highlight the potential of […]
Nurturing Resident Autonomy for Future Surgeons
A decline in surgical resident autonomy is evident, with data revealing a drop from 12.5% to 3.7% in independent surgeries from 2004 to 2019. Contrary to concerns, there’s no proof that resident autonomy negatively impacts outcomes. This viewpoint advocates for preserving and enhancing resident autonomy as a crucial goal for surgical educators. Empowering trainees with […]
Gender Disparities in Surgical Practice Development
Early-career surgeons often grapple with practice development hurdles, contributing to high burnout rates and attrition. A study across five academic medical centers found that both men and women surgeons face barriers like competition and resource allocation. However, women surgeons additionally confront gender-based discrimination, unequal referrals, and more extensive demands. Gender concordance with patients and referrers […]
Optimizing Morbidity and Mortality Conferences for Quality Improvement and Education
In their quest to refine morbidity and mortality conferences (MMCs), a treasure trove of 59 studies revealed valuable insights. These MMC makeovers, assessed through the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument, struck a harmonious balance. They spotlighted the significance of pre-conference groundwork and post-event follow-up for quality improvement. The MMC success formula includes concise case […]
