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Implementation and Evaluation of an Academic Development Rotation for Surgery Residents
Michael A Kochis1, David C Cron1, Taylor M Coe2
1Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
Objective:
To describe the design, implementation, and evaluation of a two-week rotation intended to enhance junior surgical residents' preparation for their dedicated professional development time (PDT) and academic careers.
Design:
As part of a multifaceted effort to promote residents' academic development, we designed a two-week, nonclinical "Academic Development Block" (ADB) rotation for postgraduate year (PGY)-2 and -3 residents. During this rotation, residents meet with clinical, research, and peer mentors and work on academic activities, with relevant deliverables specific to each class year. We analyzed feedback from postrotation surveys and interviews, which were inductively coded and thematically analyzed, and data on resident grant applications and earnings before and after implementation.
Setting:
The general surgery residency program at a major urban, university-affiliated academic medical center. ADBs were first implemented in 2021.
Participants:
A total of 39 PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents rotated through the program with 51 ADBs over the first two years of implementation.
Results:
Surveys indicated overwhelmingly positive perceptions on the value of ADBs, including the amount of structure and resources available. Free-response and interview themes indicated appreciation for time to meet with mentors, develop ideas, and complete academic work. Residents believed the ADB rotation accelerated their transition into PDT and was a marker of institutional commitment. Areas for improvement pertained to the timing of ADBs and pairing of mentors. Both cohorts who participated in at least 1 ADB had higher proportions of residents who successfully applied for grants and a greater amount of total funding awarded compared to all 4 of the most recent cohorts prior to implementation.
Conclusions:
A short academic development rotation protected from clinical responsibilities is a well-regarded intervention to help residents refine their career goals and prepare for their PDT. Similar initiatives may be of interest to residency programs seeking to foster their residents' academic career development.
