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Decay in Physiologic Knowledge since Medical School among Critical Care Fellows (DIP Study)
Stephanie I Maximous1, Megan Acho2, Jalil Ahari3
1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Incoming fellows showed significant decay in pulmonary physiology knowledge compared to medical students. This highlights a need for continuous learning and dedicated curricula to reinforce core concepts during training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Physiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Trainee success in intensive care units relies on mastery of core physiology.
- Foundational physiology knowledge is often acquired years before fellowship and may not be adequately reinforced.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the retention of clinically relevant pulmonary physiology knowledge among fellows in pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) and critical care medicine (CCM).
Main Methods:
- A 15-question multiple-choice examination was developed from preclinical medical school courses.
- The test was administered to incoming first-year PCCM and CCM fellows at seven institutions in 2021.
Main Results:
- Preclinical medical students significantly outperformed incoming fellows on the pulmonary physiology examination.
- Forty-one fellows (24 PCCM, 17 CCM) completed the assessment.
Conclusions:
- Significant decay in clinically relevant pulmonary physiology knowledge occurs during residency.
- Longitudinal retrieval practice and dedicated fellowship curricula are recommended to reinforce these essential concepts.
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