Transfusion Medicine Rotations for Pathology Residents: Structure, Resources, and Milestones

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pathology
• Transfusion Medicine

Background:

• Transfusion medicine education presents challenges for pathology residents.
• Meeting Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) milestones is a key requirement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the structure of a transfusion medicine rotation at a major academic residency program.
• To assess the effectiveness of new educational resources and structured responsibilities.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of defined daily roles for residents.
• Development and integration of new educational resources over three years.
• Utilization of a daily patient list to guide responsibilities.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in resident educational experience.
• Enhanced overall evaluation of the transfusion medicine rotation by residents.
• Demonstrated ability to meet numerous ACGME milestones through the rotation's structure.

Conclusions:

• Effective teaching of transfusion medicine to pathology residents is feasible.
• A well-structured rotation with adequate resources facilitates meeting ACGME milestones.
• The described program structure serves as a model for other residency programs.