Genetics objective structured clinical exams at the Maimonides Infants & Children's Hospital of Brooklyn, New York.
In 2003, the Maimonides Infants & Children's Hospital received a Title VII Residency Training in Primary Care grant to integrate genetic-specific competencies into postgraduate pediatrics education. As part of that endeavor, mandatory yearly genetics objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs) were instituted for third-year residents. This article reports on the first three years of experience with this innovative educational tool.After an overview of genetic concepts, dysmorphology, and communication styles, residents complete a five-station OSCE and receive feedback from standardized patients and from the faculty who observe them. After this clinical exercise, the residents participate in a small-group debriefing session to share strategies for effective communication and clinical case management and to discuss the ethical issues that arise with these genetic cases.In three years, 60 residents have completed the genetics OSCE program. Evaluation data demonstrate that the program has been effective in both introducing genetic-specific challenges and assessing residents' clinical skills. It has helped trainees self-identify both strengths and further training needs. Pre- and postsurveys among the trainees show increased comfort levels in performing 5 of 12 genetic-related clinical tasks.We conclude that genetics OSCEs are an enriching educational tool. Merely providing trainees and practicing physicians with the latest scientific information is unlikely to prepare them for counseling patients about complex genetic issues. Developing proficiency requires focused practice and effective feedback.This article is part of a theme issue of Academic Medicine on the Title VII health professions training programs.
Altshuler
Lisa
L
Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Maimonides Infants & Children's Hospital of Brooklyn, Brooklyn, New York 11219, USA. laltshuler@maimonidesmed.org
Kachur
Elizabeth
E
Krinshpun
Shifra
S
Sullivan
Deborah
D
D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D030342:Genetic Diseases, Inborn; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations