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. 2018 Aug;128(8):1811-1816.
doi: 10.1002/lary.26960. Epub 2017 Oct 9.

National trends in otolaryngology intern curricula following Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education changes

Kevin J Kovatch  1 , Rebecca S Harvey  1 , Mark E P Prince  1 , Marc C Thorne  2
Affiliations

National trends in otolaryngology intern curricula following Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education changes

Kevin J Kovatch et al. Laryngoscope. 2018 Aug.

Abstract

Objectives/hypothesis: In 2016, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements for curriculum and resident experiences were modified to require entering postgraduate year (PGY)-1 residents to spend 6 months of structured education on otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (ORL-HNS) rotations. We aimed to determine how ORL-HNS training programs have adapted curricula in response to 2016 ACGME curriculum requirement changes.

Study design: Survey study.

Methods: A national survey of ACGME-accredited ORL-HNS programs was distributed via the Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization.

Results: Thirty-seven program directors responded (34.9%). Most common ORL-HNS rotations included general otolaryngology (80.6% of programs, up to 6 months) and head and neck oncology (67.7%, up to 4 months), though more months are also spent on other subspecialty rotations (laryngology, otology, rhinology, and pediatrics) than previously. All programs continue at least 1 month of anesthesiology, intensive care unit, and general surgery. Programs have preferentially eliminated rotations in emergency medicine (77% decrease) and additional months on general surgery (48% decrease). Curricula have incorporated supplemental teaching modalities including didactic lectures (96.3% of programs), simulation (66.7%), dissection courses (63.0%), and observed patient encounters (55.5%), to a greater degree following ACGME changes. More interns are involved in shared call responsibilities than in previous years (70.4% vs. 51.8%). A stable minority of interns take the Otolaryngology Training Examination (approximately 20%).

Conclusions: New ACGME requirements have challenged ORL-HNS training programs to develop effective 6-month rotation schedules for PGY-1 residents. Significant variation exists between programs, and evaluation of first-year curricula and readiness for PGY-2 year is warranted.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 1811-1816, 2018.

Keywords: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; curriculum; graduate medical education; otolaryngology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interests: Author MCT is a member of the Otolaryngology Program Directors Organization and participated in the survey. The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Responding Program Demographics
All intern class sizes (1–5 trainees) and large range of departmental sizes are represented.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Additional Educational Opportunities by Academic Year
Greatest increases were seen in observed patient encounters, simulation, boot camp, and dissection courses for the 2016–17 academic year.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. [Accessed March 15, 2017];2016 ACGME Program Requirements for Graduate Medical Education in Otolaryngology. https://www.acgme.org/Portals/0/PFAssets/ProgramRequirements/280_otolary....
    1. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. [Accessed April 6, 2016];2014 ACGME Program Requirements for Graduate Medical Education in Otolaryngology. PDF available upon request.
    1. Dougherty PJ, Marcus RE. ACGME and ABOS changes for the orthopaedic surgery PGY-1 (intern) year. Clinical orthopaedics and related research. 2013;471:3412–3416. - PMC - PubMed
    1. American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Inc. [Accessed March 15, 2017];2013 Rules and procedures for residency education Part I and Part II examinations. Available at: https://www.abos.org/media/590/2013rppart1.pdf.
    1. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. [Accessed March 15, 2017];ACGME program requirements for graduate medical education in orthopaedic surgery. http://www.acgme.org/acgmeweb/Portals/0/PFAssets/2013-PR-FAQ-PIF/260orth....

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