title: Canadian Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery clerkship curricula: evolving toward tomorrow's learners.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Increasing focus is being placed on Clerkship curriculum design and implementation in light of new undergraduate medical education research and accreditation standards. Canadian Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OTOHNS) Clerkship programs are continually but independently evolving towards a common goal of improving Clerkship curriculum.
  
  
  METHODS
  An electronic survey was sent to undergraduate OTOHNS directors at all Canadian medical schools (n = 17) examining their Clerkship curricula. Themes included Clerkship format, teaching methods, faculty support and development, program strengths, and barriers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Survey response rate was 76%. All responding schools had OTOHNS Clerkship programs ranging in type (mandatory, selective or elective) and length (<1 to 4 weeks). Learning modalities varied. Electronic learning tools were identified as increasingly important to curriculum delivery. Common strengths included wide clinical exposure and one-on-one mentoring. Multiple challenges were identified in curriculum implementation and evaluation. All schools expressed interest in developing national standards, objectives and e-learning resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Significant variation exists in OTOHNS Clerkship experiences between Canadian medical schools. Many schools perceive barriers of insufficient time, space and curriculum standardization. Interested Canadian OTOHNS educators are eager to collaborate to improve the collective OTOHNS Clerkship experience.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fung
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McLean
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D002982:Clinical Clerkship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration