A longitudinal career-focused block for third-year pediatrics residents

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pediatric Residency Training

Background:

• Traditional 1-month pediatric training blocks may be insufficient for developing necessary skills and fostering mentorship.
• Lack of continuity in patient care and faculty relationships can hinder resident development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of a 4-month career-focused experience (CFE) for third-year pediatric residents.
• To assess resident outcomes, including skills, attitudes, and satisfaction with mentoring, in a novel training model.

Main Methods:

• A 4-month career-focused experience (CFE) was implemented for third-year residents, incorporating block and longitudinal training in chosen specialties.
• Content development involved graduate surveys, focus groups, and interviews with pediatricians and fellowship directors.
• Outcomes were measured using pre/post surveys, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and resident/mentor interviews.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one residents completed the 4-month CFE, focusing on primary care, hospitalist medicine, or subspecialties.
• Residents reported enhanced clinical skills, improved satisfaction with mentoring and evaluation, and better career focus.
• No significant difference in OSCE performance was observed between CFE participants and non-participants; however, administrative burden was high.

Conclusions:

• A 4-month career-focused training program for pediatric residents is feasible.
• This extended training model shows promise in contributing to the required 6 months of career-focused education during residency.