Otolaryngology Resident Reviewer Development Program: Lessons Learned from Cohort 1

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Medical Education
• Scientific Publishing

Background:

• A knowledge gap exists in the scientific peer review process among otolaryngology residents and fellows.
• Effective training is needed to enhance the quality of manuscript evaluations in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a quality improvement project to address the knowledge gap in scientific peer review for otolaryngology trainees.
• To establish and evaluate the outcomes of the Resident Reviewer Development Program.

Main Methods:

• The Resident Reviewer Development Program utilized the plan-do-study-act model.
• Otolaryngology residents (PGYs 2-5) were paired with experienced reviewers for mentored peer reviews.
• Competency was assessed through a minimum of 3 mentored reviews and an independent review test.

Main Results:

• Twenty-five residents enrolled; 18 (72%) graduated. The median independent review score was 83 (journal mean=78).
• Graduates reviewed 130 articles with a mean score of 85.
• Five (28%) graduates achieved Star Reviewer status, indicating high-quality review performance.

Conclusions:

• The PGY-3 and PGY-4 academic years are optimal for resident enrollment in the program.
• A minimum of three mentored reviews is effective for training.
• Formal incorporation of scientific peer review into educational programs, with mentorship, yields sustainable, high-quality outcomes.