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Kluger N. The carbon footprint of dermatologists: Time for a change? Ann Dermatol Venereol 2023; 150:251-252. [PMID: 38000980 DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Kluger
- Department of Dermatology, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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The Carbon Costs of In-Person Versus Virtual Medical Conferences for the Pharmaceutical Industry: Lessons from the Coronavirus Pandemic. Pharmaceut Med 2022; 36:131-142. [PMID: 35218551 PMCID: PMC8881751 DOI: 10.1007/s40290-022-00421-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Many in-person congresses have shifted to a virtual format owing to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed carbon emissions savings associated with virtual attendance at international medical congresses for a mid-sized pharmaceutical company, to identify which aspects are driving the carbon cost. Methods We assessed carbon emissions that were the responsibility of company attendees (including their guests) for the most attended congresses by employees (American Society of Clinical Oncology [ASCO], European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society [ENETS], European Society for Medical Oncology [ESMO], World Congress for NeuroRehabilitation [WCNR]). For in-person estimates, we considered travel, accommodation and congress attendance; for online estimates, we considered office and internet-related energy use. Emissions were defined using recognised data sources. Results For 1723 anticipated in-person attendees, calculated total carbon emissions were 3,262,574 kgCO2e (mean per in-person company attendee, 1894 kgCO2e: ASCO, 4172; ESMO, 1479; WCNR, 1153; ENETS, 1009). For context, the average UK resident’s annual carbon footprint is 5600 kgCO2e. Travel accounted for 91–96% of total emissions, mainly through long distance and business-class air travel. Calculated total carbon emissions associated with 1839 virtual attendees were 19,095 kgCO2e (mean per virtual company attendee, 10.4 kgCO2e; equivalent to approximately 0.3–1.1% of in-person attendance emissions across all four congresses assessed). Conclusion Carbon emissions associated with virtual attendance were two orders of magnitude lower than for in-person attendance, and therefore the benefits of in-person attendance at medical congresses must be balanced against the carbon cost. Due diligence around who should attend and how they should travel to face-to-face meetings, and consideration of hybrid and domestic satellite options could be part of a balanced solution to reducing carbon emissions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40290-022-00421-3.
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How to Host a Virtual Educational Conference. Plast Reconstr Surg 2021; 148:1401-1406. [PMID: 34705809 DOI: 10.1097/prs.0000000000008571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY Virtual education is a promising tool for expanding surgical training and continuing education. The authors present their preferred platforms for virtual surgical education, and discuss security and privacy concerns. Maintaining communication and keeping sessions engaging require special consideration when education is done virtually. The limitations to virtual education may soon be mitigated by new technologies. In this article, the authors aim to describe the benefits, current modalities, tips for use, and future directions for virtual education as it pertains to plastic surgeons and trainees during the current coronavirus pandemic.
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Fung BSC, Raiche I, Lamb T, Gawad N, MacNeill AJ, Moloo H. A chance for reform: The environmental impact of travel for general surgery residency interviews. CANADIAN MEDICAL EDUCATION JOURNAL 2021; 12:8-18. [PMID: 34249187 PMCID: PMC8263048 DOI: 10.36834/cmej.71022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In light of the global climate emergency, it is worth reconsidering the current practice of medical students traveling to interview for residency positions. We sought to estimate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with travel for general surgery residency interviews in Canada, and the potential avoided emissions if interviews were restructured. METHODS An eight-item survey was constructed to collect data on cities visited, travel modalities, and costs incurred. Applicants to the University of Ottawa General Surgery Program during the 2019/20 Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) cycle were invited to complete the survey. Potential reductions in CO2 emissions were modeled using a regionalized interview process with either one or two cities. RESULTS Of a total of 56 applicants, 39 (70%) completed the survey. Applicants on average visited 10 cities with a mean total cost of $4,866 (95% CI=3,995-5,737) per applicant. Mean CO2 emissions were 1.82 (95% CI=1.50-2.14) tonnes per applicant, and the total CO2 emissions by applicants was estimated to be 101.9 (95% CI=84.0 - 119.8) tonnes. In models wherein interviews are regionalized to one or two cities, emissions would be 57.9 tonnes (43.2% reduction) and 84.2 tonnes (17.4% reduction), respectively. Overall, 74.4% of respondents were concerned about the environmental impact of travel and 46% would prefer to interview by videoconference. CONCLUSION Travel for general surgery residency interviews in Canada is associated with a considerable environmental impact. These findings are likely generalizable to other residency programs. Given the global climate crisis, the CaRMS application process must consider alternative structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin SC Fung
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isabelle Raiche
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tyler Lamb
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nada Gawad
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea J MacNeill
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Husein Moloo
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Niro K, Gibson T, Zanger K, Rauch D, El Saleeby C. Going Virtual Amid a Pandemic: Perspectives on a Web-Based Hospital Medicine Conference. Hosp Pediatr 2020; 11:e9-e11. [PMID: 33328189 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2020-003152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Niro
- Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, South Shore Hospital, Weymouth, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy Gibson
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Massachusetts Memorial Children's Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Kerstin Zanger
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts; and.,Divisions of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and
| | - Daniel Rauch
- Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Tufts Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chadi El Saleeby
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts; and .,Divisions of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and.,Pediatric Infectious Disease
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Thagard AS, Poole AT, Greer JA, Ennen CS. Attendance and Quality and Quantity of Research Presentations at an Obstetrics and Gynecology Regional Meeting Pre- and Postchanges in Federal Funding. Mil Med 2020; 185:e1817-e1821. [PMID: 32601662 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Participating in scientific meetings offers value to physician trainees and faculty. In 2012, the U.S. Government (including the Department of Defense) instituted restrictions on conference travel, requiring central approval to attend. Hence, our objective was to determine the academic impact of research presented at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Armed Forces District Meeting and the effect of this federally mandated policy change on attendance and the quality and quantity of research. MATERIALS AND METHODS Attendance logs and meeting programs were reviewed for the 3 years immediately before and after institution of travel regulations. A PubMed search of each abstract was performed to determine if it resulted in publication and the mean duration in months from presentation to publication was calculated and compared between oral and poster presentations. The top journals accepting manuscripts were noted along with the corresponding impact factor. RESULTS The overall meeting publication rate was 22%. Oral presentations were significantly more likely than posters to achieve publication (P < 0.001). Following implementation of travel regulations, mean faculty attendance declined from 130 per year to 105 (P < 0.05). Declines in resident attendance and publication rates were not statistically significant. The top journals publishing investigations included Obstetrics and Gynecology (n = 15), Military Medicine (n = 12), and Fertility and Sterility and Gynecologic Oncology (tied, both n = 11). CONCLUSION Approximately one in five presentations at the ACOG Armed Forces District Meeting are published, many in high impact journals within the specialty. Implementation of stricter travel regulations adversely impacted faculty physician attendance, but not trainee participation or the publication rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Thagard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708
| | - Aaron T Poole
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708
| | - Joy A Greer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708
| | - Christopher S Ennen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708
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Academic Conferences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Personal Look Back at XP 2020. ACTA INFORMATICA PRAGENSIA 2020. [DOI: 10.18267/j.aip.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Emerging Formats for Dermatology Conferences and Meetings. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Martin-Gorgojo A, Del Río de la Torre E. Emerging Formats for Dermatology Conferences and Meetings. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2020; 111:453-459. [PMID: 32401717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A Martin-Gorgojo
- Servicio de ITS/Dermatología, Centro de Diagnóstico Médico, Madrid, España.
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Reflections on the first conference of the International Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health convened in India, a middle-income country. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:637-640. [PMID: 31482244 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-019-00995-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Since its establishment in 1980, all biennial conferences of The International Marcé Society for Perinatal Mental Health had been convened in high-income nations. Relatively little consideration had been given to the experiences and needs of most women who live in the world's low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim is to provide an account of the first conference convened in India, a middle-income country. The Global Experiences, Global Dialogues, Global Responses Biennial Conference of the International Marcé Society for Perinatal Health was convened at the National Institute for Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) held in Bengaluru 26th-28th September 2018. The conference achieved all its aims of maximizing access for people living and working in LMICs through scaled registration fees, building capacity through a young professionals' program, promoting collaboration through symposia co-convened by South Asian and other international experts, and visits to NIMHANS' clinical services. It made an impact on the agendas of sister expert professional societies, and public policies in India and generated significant public interest. It was appraised as pivotal, transformative and presenting exceptionally high-quality science. It was financially successful in making the largest contribution to date from a biennial conference to the Society's resources. We commend this initiative to other international expert professional societies seeking to benefit from the opportunities for mutual learning that conferences convened in low- and middle-income countries can provide, and to reduce disparities in access to evidence to address health inequalities.
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Medical Conferences and Climate Change Mitigation: Challenges, Opportunities, and Omissions. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:e434-e437. [PMID: 31348418 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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An approach to conference selection and evaluation: advice to avoid “predatory” conferences. Scientometrics 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-018-2981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Flores Rebollar A. The sum of us: considerations on physician-industry relationships. Medwave 2017; 17:e6961. [DOI: 10.5867/medwave.2017.04.6961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Parthasarathi R, Gomes RM, Palanivelu PR, Senthilnathan P, Rajapandian S, Venkatachalam R, Palanivelu C. First Virtual Live Conference in Healthcare. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2016; 27:722-725. [PMID: 27652991 DOI: 10.1089/lap.2016.0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conferences and meetings bring together thousands of doctors from diverse locations. However, the traveling, accommodation, and arrangement of venues for conferences and meetings are expensive and a lot of time needs to be devoted to these logistics. The purpose of this article was to present our own virtual live conference experience using web conferencing and to briefly outline the basics and advantages of this technology in organization of healthcare conferences. METHODS Web conferencing technology was used to organize an international bariatric surgery conference, allowing a large number of attendees to participate and interact from wherever they were, using merely an Internet connection with a video player on their personal computers, laptops, or smartphones. RESULTS A virtual live conference saves a lot of time and cost and simplifies the logistics needed to organize a learning conference with worldwide participation. CONCLUSION As far as we know, this is the first report of a virtual live conference in healthcare. We see it as the future of organizing experts as well as medical teaching conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel M Gomes
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, GEM Hospital and Research Centre , Coimbatore, India
| | - Praveen Raj Palanivelu
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, GEM Hospital and Research Centre , Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Subbiah Rajapandian
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, GEM Hospital and Research Centre , Coimbatore, India
| | - Ramasamy Venkatachalam
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, GEM Hospital and Research Centre , Coimbatore, India
| | - Chinnusamy Palanivelu
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, GEM Hospital and Research Centre , Coimbatore, India
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Ehrich J, Stengritt D, Jaeger D, Namazova-Baranova L, Pettoello-Mantovani M, Lenton S. The dilemma of International Pediatric Congresses in Europe: starting the debate. J Pediatr 2015; 166:504-6.e1. [PMID: 25620519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Ehrich
- European Paediatric Association, Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), Berlin, Germany; Children's Hospital, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | | | - Daniel Jaeger
- Children's Hospital, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Leyla Namazova-Baranova
- European Paediatric Association, Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), Berlin, Germany; Scientific Centre of Children's Health, Moscow, Russia
| | - Massimo Pettoello-Mantovani
- European Paediatric Association, Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), Berlin, Germany; Institute of Pediatrics, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Simon Lenton
- European Paediatric Association, Union of National European Paediatric Societies and Associations (EPA-UNEPSA), Berlin, Germany; Child Health Department, Bath, United Kingdom
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Martin-Suarez A, Benito JC, Pérez-Blanco JS, Millan MDCG, Castañeda AZ, Gomez HZ, Martin CM. Scientific Knowledge Transfer Training Through a Virtual World. JOURNAL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.4018/jitr.2014040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to use the virtual world Second Life (SL) to perform a knowledge transfer training to Pharmacy students. The presentation of assignments of different subjects was organized as scientific congress communications. The activities were carried out at the facilities created at the USALPHARMA Island in SL. The content and format of these works, together with their oral presentation and interventions in debates were evaluated. These experiences provided adequate learning results and a high level of student satisfaction. This teaching strategy can foster development of creativity, critical thinking, communication, co-teamwork and digital competence. Likewise, it can facilitate teacher-student relations and relations among the students themselves. It also implies significant savings in time and money, since real facilities and equipment and physical movement of people are not involved. All of this encourages us to recommend this platform to host all kinds of conferences or scientific conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Suarez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Cruz Benito
- Research Group in Interaction and eLearning (GRIAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Hinojal Zazo Gomez
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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