This is Jeopardy! A flexible coverage-based schedule model to address wellness for pathology training programs.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pathology Training
• Healthcare Administration

Background:

• Residency program scheduling requires balancing education, service coverage, and paid time off (PTO).
• Resident absences can disrupt training due to cross-coverage demands.
• Existing "Jeopardy" systems in other specialties offer a model for managing absences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a novel "Jeopardy-Elective" (JE) rotation on pathology resident satisfaction and workflow.
• To assess the effectiveness of the JE rotation in managing resident absences and improving PTO utilization.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a 13-block, four-week rotation system with four JE rotations per resident.
• The JE resident covered trainee absences and utilized remaining time for electives.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys were administered to residents trained under both scheduling models.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant increases in resident satisfaction with PTO, coverage, and sick day management.
• Increased PTO usage (16 to 20 days/resident) and decreased sick days (1.7 to 1.3 days/resident).
• The JE resident covered an average of 8.5 workdays of absences.

Conclusions:

• The Jeopardy-Elective rotation model significantly improved resident satisfaction and service coverage in pathology residency.
• The JE system supports resident well-being and learning by facilitating PTO and managing absences effectively.
• 82% of residents supported retaining the new scheduling system, indicating its success.