An Examination of Advocacy Education in Residency Training

Pathology-related advocacy is best when performed directly by pathologists. Practicing advocacy is included in the Milestones 2.0 and should be introduced during residency training.

To understand advocacy education in residency training we surveyed pathologists to ask what training they had in residency, what resources were available, and what experiences were most impressionable.

Two types of inquiry were performed. First, a survey to program graduates asking about leadership and advocacy activities during training and about leadership and advocacy activities since graduation. Secondly, focused email and telephone inquiries were made to 12 pathologists-4 in practice for more than 20 years, 4 within the first 10 years of practice, and to 4 PGY4 (postgraduate year 4) residents-asking what training and experiences were available to them, and how they became motivated to become active in practice.

Our results showed that resources available outside of the home program have changed through the years and more national resident groups are available that were not available in the past. These groups may educate trainees in leadership and advocacy. Internally, opportunities to shadow faculty at interdepartmental leadership meetings, as well as selection of the chief resident, are enduring tools for honing these skills.

Teaching advocacy in training is important and part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core requirements as well as a level 5 Milestone. Education may require a balance of internal and external resources since different programs may offer different opportunities. Shadowing during real advocacy events was the most impressionable experience.