Elevating Clinical Informatics: Dynamic Resident Training to Enhance Subspecialty Appeal

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Informatics
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• A significant educational gap exists in clinical informatics (CI) training for medical residents.
• There is a need to foster interest in CI as a viable and rewarding career path for physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an innovative resident rotation focused on clinical informatics and quality improvement.
• To address the educational deficit in CI at the residency level and promote CI careers.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a novel CI and QI resident rotation, replacing traditional QI blocks.
• Curriculum included didactics, hands-on projects, department meetings, and an optional EPIC SmartUser program.
• Evaluated resident participation and feedback via postrotation surveys.

Main Results:

• 57 residents completed the rotation since July 2022, with positive feedback.
• Majority of residents favorably rated their experience and valued the educational content.
• Residents reported increased likelihood of incorporating informatics into future practice.

Conclusions:

• The rotation serves as an effective model for delivering CI education within residency programs.
• Demonstrated enhanced resident engagement and competency in CI, positively impacting the future physician workforce.
• Expansion and evaluation are recommended to further promote CI training and career interest.