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Schukow CP, Herman MK, Kochanowski J, Hansma PA. Modernizing Forensic Pathology Education on TikTok: Lessons Learned on this "Social Media Frontier". Adv Anat Pathol 2024; 31:278-280. [PMID: 38314570 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Casey P Schukow
- Department of Pathology, Corewell Health's Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak MI
| | | | - Julia Kochanowski
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND
| | - Patrick A Hansma
- Department of Pathology, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI
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2
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Schukow CP, Holmes C, Chambers M, Rayes O, Jackson NR, Deeken AH, Hlavaty LA. How (Cautious) Social Media Use May Improve Education and Pipeline Efforts of a Growing Postpandemic Forensic Pathologist Workforce Shortage. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024:00000433-990000000-00195. [PMID: 39018442 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Many subspecialties of pathology have initiated novel methods and strategies to connect with medical students and residents, stimulate interest, and offer mentorship. Emerging concern about the future of forensic pathology has been highlighted in contemporary literature as recruitment of new fellows has stagnated and workforce shortage concerns have blossomed. Amidst these challenges, the potential role of social networking platforms like social media (SoMe) in enhancing autopsy pathology/forensics education has garnered attention, yet literature focusing specifically on its application in autopsy and forensic pathology remains limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive narrative overview of the current literature on the established uses of SoMe in forensic pathology. It seeks to build upon existing recommendations, introducing a contemporary compilation of online resources designed to facilitate virtual engagement among pathologists, learners, patients, and families. The review supports the idea that strategic, ethical, and conscientious use of SoMe has a place in addressing the growing workforce shortages and closing educational gaps in forensic pathology by enhancing exposure to the field and dispelling antiquated stereotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey P Schukow
- From the Department of Pathology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Royal Oak, MI
| | - Carley Holmes
- From the Department of Pathology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Royal Oak, MI
| | - Meagan Chambers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Nicole R Jackson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Amy H Deeken
- Department of Pathology, Summa Health Systems, Akron, OH
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3
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Schukow C, Johnson C, Martinez S, Mckinley K, Campbell K, Ahmed A. The impact of Pathology Outreach Program (POP) on United States and Canadian high school students. Acad Pathol 2024; 11:100112. [PMID: 38590794 PMCID: PMC10999372 DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2024.100112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Given recent trends in National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data, there exists a looming deficit of practicing pathologists. As such, the Pathology Outreach Program (POP) was established in 2018 in the United States, and in 2022 in Canada, to educate high school students about pathology and laboratory medicine to help curb this projected shortage. We present survey data gathered from several educational sessions hosted at high schools in the United States (U.S.) and Canada over a 5-year period comparing participants' perceptions and awareness of pathology both before and after each session. Using this data, we wish to highlight the positive impact of POP on increasing students' awareness and appreciation for careers in pathology or laboratory medicine. This data will also highlight the additional work that must be done to further boost public knowledge of laboratory medicine's contributions to patient care. We hope this project will lay the foundation for further improvements to laboratory visibility and inspire additional outreach efforts to mitigate a future workforce shortage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Schukow
- Department of Pathology, Corewell Health, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Curtiss Johnson
- Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Katelynn Campbell
- Department of Pathology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Aadil Ahmed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
- Dermatopathology Section, Illinois Dermatology Institute, Park Ridge, IL, USA
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4
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Tannenbaum AP, Lilley CM. Perspectives from two recent medical school graduates on exposure to pathology during undergraduate medical education: A narrative inquiry. Acad Pathol 2023; 10:100094. [PMID: 37840650 PMCID: PMC10568268 DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2023.100094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of pathology is facing an inflection point where the demand for pathology services is not being met by a corresponding rise in recruitment into the field. Many of the myths about the field of pathology have been dispelled elsewhere, but there have not been many formal accounts of the experience medical students' face when finding their path to pathology. Because of challenges in the visibility of pathology as a specialty and not simply a subject required for United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1, students tend to fall into one of two categories: early differentiators or late discoverers. Here, we provide anecdotal accounts of these two paths at institutions with different curricular designs and provide a first-hand account of the challenges we faced and opportunities discovered in our journeys to pathology. Based on these experiences, we offer suggestions for ways to address some of the issues medical students must navigate when trying to explore pathology in curricula not built for such exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex P. Tannenbaum
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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5
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Weissman C, Avidan A, Tandeter H, Zisk Rony RY. Unpopular medical specialties: exploring the concept that "the customer knows best". BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:268. [PMID: 37081461 PMCID: PMC10116701 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare systems often face shortages of certain medical specialists due to lack of interest among medical students. We questioned a common "one solution fits all" approach to this problem which involves monetary incentives to lure students to these specialties. Instead, we used the marketing principle the "consumer knows best" to explore ways of elucidating the reasons and proposing solutions for such shortages. METHODS A convenience sample of Israeli 6th-year medical students and interns completed questionnaires to determine why they thought three specialties (geriatrics, anesthesiology, emergency medicine) were unpopular and their ideas on increasing their appeal. RESULTS 119 6th-year students and 84 interns completed questionnaires. Geriatrics was reported having a problematic patient population; not being interesting and challenging; and not considered prestigious by colleagues and the populace. This contrasts with emergency medicine which, although considered prestigious, has difficult working conditions both during and after residency accompanied by much pressure at work. Although, improvements in lifestyle and remuneration were thought by students and interns as possibly making these specialties more attractive, reducing the pressure at work and decreasing on-call obligations were designated by the students/interns as ways to increase emergency medicine's and anesthesiology's appeal. Half the students replied that anesthesiology would be more appealing if work was in shifts (< 16 h), while 60% replied so for emergency medicine and only 18% for geriatrics. 90% of students reported that control over lifestyle would make emergency medicine more attractive while 55% and 48% replied positively for anesthesiology and geriatrics, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Using the concept "consumer knows best" provided additional insight into the specialty selection process. Students/interns have specialty-specific opinions as to why some specialties are unpopular. Their ideas about attracting more students to these specialties were also specialty-dependent, i.e. "one solution does not fit all". These observations render problematic a single solution aimed at ameliorating the workforce shortages of multiple specialties. Instead, these results advocate a differential approach wherein the lack of appeal of each unpopular specialty is analyzed individually and the students'/interns' (the "consumers") ideas sought resulting in solutions tailored to address each specialty's lack of attractiveness. TRIAL REGISTRATION None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Weissman
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Kiryat Hadassah POB 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
- Hospital Administration, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Alexander Avidan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Kiryat Hadassah POB 12000, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Howard Tandeter
- Department of Family Medicine, Goldman School of Medicine, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Rachel Yaffa Zisk Rony
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Hebrew University - Hadassah Henrietta Szold School of Nursing, Jerusalem, Israel
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6
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Fletcher L, King L, Criswell S, Herr MJ. Pathology education project (PEP): A pilot program to spark student understanding in pathology as a career. Acad Pathol 2023; 10:100084. [PMID: 37215755 PMCID: PMC10196332 DOI: 10.1016/j.acpath.2023.100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the National Resident Matching Program in 2022, 631 pathology positions were offered. In total, 248 senior applicants from United States (US) allopathic schools filled 36.6% of these positions. To bolster medical student understanding of pathology, a medical school pathology interest group organized a multi-day activity to introduce rising second-year medical students to pathology as a career. Five students completed both pre- and post-activity surveys assessing their knowledge of the specialty. All five students had a BA/BS degree as their highest level of education. Only one student indicated that he or she had previously shadowed a pathologist as a medical laboratory scientist for a duration of four years. Two students indicated that they were interested in internal medicine, one indicated radiology, one forensic pathology or radiology, and one was undecided. During the activity, students biopsied tissue from cadavers in the gross anatomy lab. Thereafter, students participated in the standard tissue processing by shadowing a histotechnologist. Under the guidance of a pathologist, students microscopically examined slides and discussed the clinical findings. Post-activity survey results indicated that participation increased their knowledge of pathology as a career with a median increase of 0.8 points (range: 0.2 to 1.6) on a 5-point Likert scale. Students also indicated that their participation increased their knowledge of pathology skills and techniques-median increase of 1.2 (range: 0.8 to 1.8). This activity can be implemented by medical educators to expose medical students to pathology as a career with the benefit of increasing student knowledge in the specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Fletcher
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lauren King
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shelia Criswell
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Health Professions, Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michael J. Herr
- University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Schukow CP, Booth AL, Mirza KM, Jajosky RP. #PathTwitter: A Positive Platform Where Medical Students Can Engage the Pathology Community. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2023; 147:135-136. [PMID: 36453869 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0282-ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Casey P Schukow
- From the Department of Graduate Medical Education, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, Monroe, Michigan (Schukow)
| | - Adam L Booth
- From the Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois (Booth)
| | - Kamran M Mirza
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois (Mirza)
| | - Ryan Philip Jajosky
- From the Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (Jajosky)
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8
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Gillissen A, Kochanek T, Zupanic M, Ehlers JP. Millennials Medical Students Generation at the Crosswalks: Motivations and Attitudes Towards Study and Future Career - A Mixed-Method Study. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2022; 13:1305-1319. [PMID: 36281458 PMCID: PMC9587722 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s368128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate in the millennium medical student generation the influence of the curriculum (problem-based curriculum [PBC] vs science-based curriculum [SBC]), gender and semester level on medical students' motives to study medicine, their attitudes toward their career and in this regard their view about their study condition in university. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews with 28 medical students were performed and analyzed using Mayring's content analysis. Based on these results, a quantitative questionnaire for a nationwide survey was developed using a mixed-method-approach and send to most medical faculties in Germany. Data from n=1053 students entered statistical analysis. RESULTS Humanistic ideals prevailed in the choice to enter medical school and to become a physician. PBC students were found to be significantly (p<0.001) more idealistic and patient oriented, and they regard their curriculum more competitive than SBC-students (p<0.001). A balanced work and family life is essential for all students but particularly important for the PBC - group, male and undergraduate students. The majority of students wanted to work with patients and omitted patient-distant line of work. Undergraduate SBC-students saw their studies as old-fashioned citing lack of patient contact (p<0.001 compared to PBC), which eased in the graduate study part. CONCLUSION This study found major differences in student's perceptions depending on curriculum type. PBC-students were more idealistic, and humanistic ideals prevailed in comparison to SBC. For both, close patient contact is essential in their training. Particularly for female students, lifestyle factors and a balanced work-life-integration outweigh career ambitiousness. This study offers an important insight to policy makers and educators to understand the motivation and perceptions of the millennial student generation regarding their studies and future career plans, which should be considered in educational policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Gillissen
- Institute for Didactics and Educational Research in Health Care, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Tonja Kochanek
- Institute for Didactics and Educational Research in Health Care, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Michaela Zupanic
- Interprofessional and Collaborative Didactics in Medicine- and Health professions, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Jan P Ehlers
- Institute for Didactics and Educational Research in Health Care, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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Jajosky RP, Jajosky AN, Jajosky PG, Stowell SR. Seniors from United States allopathic medical schools matching into pathology, 2018–2022. Ann Diagn Pathol 2022; 60:152019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2022.152019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Fielder T, Watts F, Howden C, Gupta R, McKenzie C. Why Choose a Pathology Career? Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:903-910. [PMID: 34637490 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2021-0118-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— There is a global decline in medical graduates pursuing pathology careers, resulting in a broadening gap between workforce demand and supply. OBJECTIVE.— To determine causes of low popularity of pathology as a career and develop strategies to avoid a workforce crisis. DESIGN.— An online survey was distributed and yielded 1247 responses, including 609 Australian medical students from 10 medical schools, 119 prevocational doctors from 10 major teaching hospitals in New South Wales, 175 residents, and 344 pathologists throughout Australia. RESULTS.— Compared with pathology-uninterested peers, students and prevocational doctors interested in pathology careers were more likely to value research opportunities (57 of 166 [34.3%] pathology-interested respondents versus 112 of 521 [21.5%] pathology-uninterested respondents; odds ratio [OR] = 1.91, P < .001), have children (19 of 165 respondents [11.5%] versus 22 of 522 respondents [4.2%]; OR = 2.96, P < .001), and self-identify as introverted (87 of 167 respondents [52.1%] versus 179 of 526 respondents [34%]; OR = 2.1, P < .001). Those uninterested in pathology were more likely to value patient interaction (363 of 524 respondents [69.3%] versus 71 of 166 respondents [42.8%]; OR = 3.02, P < .001). Lack of exposure to pathology was the most-cited reason for rejecting pathology (after lack of patient interaction). There was poor understanding of the role of pathologists and low confidence in the ability to interpret histopathology reports among medical students and prevocational doctors. Negative stereotypes regarding pathologists were identified. CONCLUSIONS.— Active interventions increasing exposure of medical students and prevocational doctors to pathology as a career, as well as promotion of research opportunities and potential for work-life balance, are needed to address pending workforce shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Fielder
- From the Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie).,New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie)
| | - Francesca Watts
- From the Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie).,New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie)
| | - Christopher Howden
- Sydney Informatics Hub, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Howden)
| | - Ruta Gupta
- From the Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie).,New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie).,the Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Gupta, McKenzie)
| | - Catriona McKenzie
- From the Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie).,New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, Australia (Fielder, Watts, Gupta, McKenzie).,the Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia (Gupta, McKenzie)
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11
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Jajosky RP, Coulson HC, Rosengrant AJ, Jajosky AN, Jajosky PG. Osteopathic students and graduates matching into pathology residency, 2011-2020. J Osteopath Med 2021; 121:149-156. [PMID: 33567083 DOI: 10.1515/jom-2020-0134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Context In the past decade, two changes have affected the pathology residency match. First, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Match, which did not offer pathology residency, became accredited under a single graduate medical education (GME) system with the Main Residency Match (MRM), which offers pathology residency. Second, substantially fewer United States senior-year allopathic medical students (US MD seniors) matched into pathology residency. Objective To determine whether there were major changes in the number and percentage of osteopathic students and physicians (DOs) matching into pathology residency programs over the past decade. Methods Pathology match outcomes for DOs from 2011 to 2020 were obtained by reviewing AOA Match data from the National Matching Services and MRM data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The number of DOs that filled pathology positions in the MRM was divided by the total number of pathology positions filled in the MRM to calculate the percentage of pathology positions taken by DOs. Results Over the past decade, there was a 109% increase in the total number of DOs matching into pathology residency (34 in 2011 vs. 71 in 2020). During this time, there was a 23.3% increase in the total number of pathology positions filled in the MRM (476 in 2011 vs. 587 in 2020). Thus, the percentage of pathology residency positions filled by DOs increased from 7.1% in 2011 to 12.1% in 2020. The substantial increase of DOs in pathology occurred simultaneously with a 94.2% increase in the total number of DOs filling AOA/MRM "postgraduate year 1" (PGY-1) positions (3201 in 2011 vs. 6215 in 2020). Thus, the percentage of DOs choosing pathology residency has remained steady (1.06% in 2011 and 1.14% in 2020). In 2020, pathology had the third lowest percentage of filled PGY-1 residency positions taken by DOs, out of 15 major medical specialties. Conclusion The proportion of DOs choosing pathology residency was stable from 2011 to 2020 despite the move to a single GME accreditation system and the stark decline in US MD seniors choosing pathology. In 2020, a slightly higher percentage of DOs (1.14%) chose pathology residency than US MD seniors (1.13%). Overall, DOs more often choose other medical specialties, including primary care. Additional studies are needed to determine why fewer US MD seniors, but not fewer DOs, are choosing pathology residency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Philip Jajosky
- Department of Pathology , Laboratory Medicine, Emory University , Atlanta , Georgia , USA
| | - Hannah C Coulson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Discipline of Pathology , Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas , Spartanburg , South Carolina , USA
| | - Abric J Rosengrant
- Department of Laboratory Medicine , Geisinger Medical Center , Danville , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Audrey N Jajosky
- Department of Pathology , Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center , Cleveland , Ohio , USA
| | - Philip G Jajosky
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia , USA
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12
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The medical student's guide to pathology residency, fellowships, and careers. Ann Diagn Pathol 2021; 54:151805. [PMID: 34419854 DOI: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2021.151805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that relatively few MD, DO, and underrepresented in medicine (URM) students and physicians are matching into pathology residency in the United States (US). In the 2021 Main Residency Match, just 33.6% of filled pathology residency positions were taken by senior year students at US allopathic medical schools. This has been attributed to the fact that pathology is not a required rotation in most US medical schools, pathology is often taught in an integrated curriculum in the US where is does not stand out as a distinct field, and because the COVID-19 pandemic led to a suspension of in-person pathology rotations and electives. Ultimately, many US medical students fail to consider pathology as a career pathway. The objective of this article is to provide medical students with basic information, in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQs), about pathology training and career opportunities. This was accomplished by forming a team of MD and DO pathology attendings, pathology trainees, and a medical student from multiple institutions to create a pathology guide for medical students. This guide includes information about post-sophomore fellowships, 5 major pathology residency tracks, more than 20 fellowship pathways, and allopathic and osteopathic board examinations. This guide also contains photographs and descriptions of major pathology sub-specialties, including the daily and on-call duties and responsibilities of pathology residents. The exciting future of pathology is also discussed. This guide supports the agenda of the College of American Pathologists' (CAP) Pathologist Pipeline Initiative to improve student recruitment into pathology.
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13
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Hernandez PV, Razzano D, Riddle ND, Fallon JT, Islam HK, Mirza KM, Pattarkine R, Platero T, Hermelin D, Adem PV, Booth AL, Nachinga EM, Reddy KS, Mares A, Lento PA. Measuring the Efficacy of Pathology Career Recruitment Strategies in US Medical Students. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2021; 146:494-500. [PMID: 34324631 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0834-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT.— Multiple articles and surveys in the literature suggest that medical students find a career in pathology undesirable and believe it is disproportionately focused primarily on the autopsy. OBJECTIVE.— To measure the effect of applied interventions on medical student attitudes about the field of pathology. DESIGN.— This prospective study involving medical students from first through fourth year was conducted as a pilot study in 2 medical schools in the United States. A 2-part anonymous survey regarding interest in pathology as a career and familiarity with the specialty using a 10-point scale was given to first- and second-year medical students before and after they listened to a 10-minute pathology career presentation. The same survey was given to third- and fourth-year medical students before and after a 4-week pathology elective. RESULTS.— A total of 121 and 83 students responded to the survey before and after the intervention, respectively. Of the 121 students who responded to the survey before the intervention, 106 (87.6%) had not spent significant time in a pathology laboratory before the intervention. The majority of responses in interest in career, job responsibilities, and features of pathologists before and after the intervention demonstrated a statistically significant difference (P < .001). We compared survey scores of presentation versus 4-week rotation groups before and after the intervention. Students who experienced the presentation did not differ from students who experienced the rotation in the majority of questions related to interest in career, job responsibilities, and features of pathologists. CONCLUSIONS.— Our study suggests that pathology exposure strategies can have a beneficial effect on student perceptions of the field and consideration of a career in pathology. Overall, the presentation intervention on the first- and second-year students seemed to have the greatest effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia V Hernandez
- From the Hadlock Laboratory, Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, Washington (Hernandez).,Hernandez and Razzano contributed equally to this article
| | - Dana Razzano
- Hernandez and Razzano contributed equally to this article.,The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut (Razzano)
| | - Nicole D Riddle
- The Department of Pathology, University of South Florida, Tampa (Riddle)
| | - John T Fallon
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (Fallon)
| | - Humayun K Islam
- The Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York (Islam, Pattarkine, Mares, Lento)
| | - Kamran M Mirza
- The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois (Mirza)
| | - Rugved Pattarkine
- The Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York (Islam, Pattarkine, Mares, Lento)
| | - Tania Platero
- The University of El Salvador School of Medicine, San Salvador, El Salvador (Platero)
| | - Daniela Hermelin
- The Department of Pathology, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, St Louis, Missouri (Hermelin)
| | - Patricia V Adem
- The Department of Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York (Adem)
| | - Adam L Booth
- the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (Booth)
| | - Eunice Mbela Nachinga
- the Department of Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Seattle, Washington (Nachinga)
| | - Kalpana S Reddy
- the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York (Reddy)
| | - Angelica Mares
- The Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York (Islam, Pattarkine, Mares, Lento)
| | - Patrick A Lento
- The Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York (Islam, Pattarkine, Mares, Lento)
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Masuadi EM, Mohamud MS, Alhassan AM, Alharbi KG, Hilabi AS, Alharbi FA, Tatwani AT, Farraj AI, Al-Nasser S, Safi MF. Factors and Determinants of Choosing Pathology as a Future Career: Results From a Multi-Institution Study. Cureus 2021; 13:e15790. [PMID: 34295597 PMCID: PMC8293683 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, less than 10% of graduating medical students select pathology as a future career. Many factors were reported from different settings to influence the choice of pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that determine medical students' preferences in choosing pathology as a future career. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed students from three governmental medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire that contained demographic questions and items that addressed perceived factors that affect the choice of pathology was distributed to medical students. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). A chi-square test was used to determine the association between independent variables and interest in pathology. Results Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 338 students completed the survey with a response rate of 84.5%. Overall, surgery (24%) and internal medicine (20%) were the most favored, specialties with only 5% of the students selecting pathology as their first choice. Patient-doctor interaction (72.2%) was perceived as the most important factor in not choosing pathology as a future career. Taking an elective course, younger age groups, and year in medical school were all significantly associated (p<0.001) with an interest in pathology. Conclusion In this study, most of the students indicated surgery and internal medicine as their first specialty choices. Only 5% of the students chose pathology as their first choice. Two-thirds of medical students perceived pathologists do not interact with patients. A significant association was found between younger age groups, enrolling for a pathology course, and having an interest in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad M Masuadi
- Research Unit/Biostatistics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC), Riyadh, SAU
| | - Mohamud S Mohamud
- Medical Education, College of Medicine/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdulrahman M Alhassan
- Medical Education, College of Medicine/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Khalid G Alharbi
- Medical Education, College of Medicine/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Ahmed S Hilabi
- Medical Education, College of Medicine/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Faisal A Alharbi
- Medical Education, College of Medicine/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdullah T Tatwani
- Medical Education, College of Medicine/King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Abdullah I Farraj
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Applied Medical Sciences/King Saud University, Riyadh, SAU
| | - Sami Al-Nasser
- Medical Education, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, SAU
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15
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Fu L, Swete M, Selgrade D, Chan CW, Rodriguez R, Wolniak K, Blanco LZ. Virtual Pathology Elective Provides Uninterrupted Medical Education and Impactful Pathology Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Acad Pathol 2021; 8:23742895211010275. [PMID: 34192135 PMCID: PMC8107262 DOI: 10.1177/23742895211010275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
As students do not qualify as essential health care workers, medical education faced severe disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic including initial suspension of all in-person lectures and on-site rotations. Our Pathology Department was among the first at Northwestern to offer a completely virtual rotation with the goals of: (1) providing a comprehensive introduction to the practice of anatomic and clinical pathology, (2) emphasizing uninterrupted and continued excellence in education, and (3) minimizing exposure risk during the pandemic. The innovative 2-week curriculum incorporated diverse teaching modalities including live and recorded lectures; live and recorded video demonstrations; interactive small group discussions; interactive virtual sign-outs; and written and multimedia assignments, quizzes, and projects. The virtual elective ran from March to July 2020 with 52 total participating medical students. On post-rotation evaluations, students rated the pathology virtual elective 4.7/5.0 compared to other virtual rotations and 4.0/5.0 compared to all rotations (including in-person and virtual). Furthermore, continual improvements were made to the established framework based on rotation feedback such that curriculum content was more abundant and more favorably rated by the last cohort when compared to the first. Finally, although students identified interest in over 10 different medical specialties, all participants expressed increased interest in choosing pathology as a specialty and better understanding of pathology's role in patient care. We hope our detailed description of creating and evaluating a completely virtual elective rotation serves as a model for other departments to improve pathology education and visibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Fu
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Swete
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Daniel Selgrade
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Clarence W Chan
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raven Rodriguez
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kristy Wolniak
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luis Z Blanco
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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16
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Whaley RD, Booth AL, Mirza KM. Changes in USMLE Step 1 Result Reporting: A Pass or Fail for Pathology Programs? Acad Pathol 2021; 8:2374289521998029. [PMID: 33796640 PMCID: PMC7983407 DOI: 10.1177/2374289521998029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rumeal D Whaley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adam L Booth
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kamran M Mirza
- Department(s) of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Medical Education, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
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17
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Buckley RJJ, Brown C, Stringer S, Moylan T, Huang R, Haas M. On Blast: A Framework for Monitoring and Responding to Online Comments About Your Graduate Medical Education Program. J Grad Med Educ 2020; 12:651-654. [PMID: 33391584 PMCID: PMC7771610 DOI: 10.4300/jgme-d-20-00574.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Brown
- Resident, Saint Joseph Mercy Health Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan
| | - Samantha Stringer
- Resident, Saint Joseph Mercy Health Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan
| | - Tatiana Moylan
- Resident, Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University
| | - Robert Huang
- Assistant Professor and Program Director, University of Michigan Medical School
| | - Mary Haas
- Instructor and Assistant Program Director, University of Michigan Medical School
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18
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Hallan DR, Mikhail D, Lu K, Henry A, Chiang K, Patterson M, Sakya SM. Residency Specialty and National Resident Matching Program Outcomes as Predictors of Academic vs Non-Academic Position as an Attending Physician. Cureus 2020; 12:e9548. [PMID: 32905498 PMCID: PMC7470656 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.9548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Previous studies have shown that research can be used as a predictive factor for an academic career for physicians in the fields of radiation oncology, orthopedic surgery, and diagnostic radiology. We seek to determine if this factor is predictive for all medical specialties based on an analysis of public data on physicians who have trained at Hershey Medical Center (HMC) and public National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) charting outcomes. Methods: We determined the location and job title of all graduates of HMC residency training programs through a combination of publicly available information on HMC's website and other institutions' websites. We separated these into academic and non-academic positions and performed Chi-square analysis to determine if the number of research experiences was predictive of an academic career. Results: Participating in the residency specialties of general surgery, pathology, internal medicine, and neurological surgery are statistically significant predictors of an academic career upon graduation. The average number of research experiences obtained by matched U.S. medical students is not a statistically significant predictor of an academic career upon graduation. Conclusion: In contrast to previously published studies, a higher number of research experiences in medical school is not a significant predictor of an academic career for attending physicians who graduated residency at HMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Hallan
- Neurosurgery, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Lu
- Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - April Henry
- Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | - Kevin Chiang
- Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
| | | | - Surav M Sakya
- Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, USA
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19
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Sloan P, Robinson M. Quality Assessment Across Disciplines in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Diagnostic Pathology in HNSCC. Front Oncol 2020; 10:364. [PMID: 32266144 PMCID: PMC7105634 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Quality assured pathology services are integral to provision of optimal management for patients with head and neck cancer. Pathology services vary globally and are dependent on resources in terms of both laboratory provision and availability of a highly trained and accredited workforce. Ensuring a high-quality pathology service depends largely on close working and effective communication between the clinical team providing treatment and the pathologists providing laboratory input. Laboratory services should be quality assured by achieving external accreditation, most often by conforming to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards such as ISO15189 sometimes with ISO17025 or alternatively ISO17020. Quality of diagnostic reporting can be assured by the ISO but clinical teams should endeavor to work with pathologists who engage in continuing professional development, external quality assurance and audit. Research also contributes to diagnostic reporting quality. A number of initiatives in the UK such as the EPSRC/MRC funded Molecular Pathology Nodes and the National Cancer Research Institute Cellular-Molecular Pathology initiative (C-M Path), for example, have linked pathologists, industry and researchers. This has resulted in centers leading in digital innovation, artificial intelligence, translational research and clinical trials supported by pathologists. For rare tumors and contemporary molecular diagnostics, biopsy material can increasingly be shared with expert specialist pathologists working in specialist centers, particularly by using digital pathology platforms with potentially global reach. High quality services for the majority of diagnostic processes required for head and neck cancer management is best provided by local pathologists where communication with the treating team is more effective than with pathologists working in remote centers. Quality assurance is an increasingly important aspect of pathology, assuring not only effective turnaround times and accuracy for the diagnostic service but also high quality consistent reporting for clinical trials where even small pathology errors can potentially produce a significant bias and in the worst case negate the value of a completed trial. Better outcomes have been associated with centers engaged in clinical trials than in non-participating centers. Provision of a quality assured pathology service should extend to both the research and diagnostic services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Sloan
- Newcastle EPSRC/MRC Molecular Pathology Node, NuTH and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Max Robinson
- Centre for Oral Health Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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