title: Confidence, knowledge, and skills at the beginning of residency. A survey of pathology residents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To document the pathology learning experiences of pathology residents prior to residency and to determine how confident they were in their knowledge and technical skills.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online survey was distributed to all pathology residency program directors in the United States, who were requested to forward the survey link to their residents. Data were obtained on pathology electives, grossing experience, and frozen section experience. Likert scale questions assessed confidence level in knowledge and skills.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 201 pathology residents responded (8% of residents in the United States). Prior to starting residency, most respondents had exposure to anatomic pathology through elective rotations. Few respondents had work-related experience. Most did not feel confident in their pathology-related knowledge or skills, and many did not understand what pathology resident duties entail.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Respondents gained exposure to pathology primarily through elective rotations, and most felt the elective experience prepared them for pathology residency. However, elective time may be enhanced by providing opportunities for students to increase hands-on experience and understanding of resident duties.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Pathology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC. chsieh@gwu.edu.
authors.forename: Cindy M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Hsieh
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Pathology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: Norris J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Nolan
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010336:Pathology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
keywords: Curriculum; Education; Elective; Residents