title: Implementation of dermato-epidemiology curriculum at Case Western Reserve University dermatology program.
abstract: Dermato-epidemiology curriculum has been identified by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) as an important foundation for dermatology residency training. However, no one has yet reported implementation of dermato-epidemiology curriculum. To evaluate and relate our experience carrying out a dermato-epidemiology resident education initiative, based on recommendations by the AAD Epidemiology Committee. Monthly lectures based on topics suggested by the AAD Epidemiology Curriculum. Pre- and post-test multiple choice and free-form question measures were employed to examine performance, assess resident enthusiasm, and solicit feedback from the initiative. Quantitative achievement on multiple-choice items improved slightly, but insignificantly, from 53 percent to 58 percent. Resident level of enthusiasm and perceived efficacy for the intervention varied from 3.3 to 4.0 on a 5-point Likert scale where "1" indicates strongly disagree and "5" indicates strongly agree with measures of effectiveness. Dermato-epidemiology curriculum is desirable and achievable even in dermatology programs without full-time epidemiologists. A successful epidemiology curriculum should be clinically and board-examination relevant, incorporating aspects of problem-based, interactive learning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Barzilai
authors.forename: Radha
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mikkilineni
authors.forename: Bryan R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Seth R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Eliot N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Mostow
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D003880:Dermatology / Q000193:education*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009820:Ohio; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities