American Medical Association's Fellowship Research Articles

Part-time Residency in Pediatrics: Description of Current Practice

To determine current national utilization levels of part-time pediatric residency and to identify reasons for pursuing training on a part-time basis. Data were obtained through (1) a survey regarding part-time residency mailed to all accredited pediatric residency programs, (2) the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Interactive Electronic Database, and (3) the American Academy of Pediatrics postgraduate level 3 survey, 2003. Of the 190 accredited pediatric residency programs surveyed, 156 (82%) responded; 18 (12%) of these programs had >or=1 part-time resident during academic years 2000-2003. Nationally, 43 of 6609 residents represented in the survey (0.7%) undertook some of their training on a part-time basis. All programs prorated salaries in proportion to time percentage, 10 (71%) continued full benefits for part-time residents, and 15 (88%) used a reduced call schedule. Although multiple reasons were given for part-time status, including travel (16%), research (14%), advanced degrees (9%), personal illness (9%), and family illness (5%), 67% cited child care as 1 reason. Length of residency was extended by an average of 15 months (range: 4-36 months). Analysis of the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Interactive Electronic Database showed that 45 (24%) of 190 programs advertise part-time slots. Although numerous pediatric programs advertise part-time positions, few residents actually held such positions during a 3-year period. There is variability among programs in how benefits and call schedules are managed. Part-time positions are chosen for multiple reasons, but the most common reason is to care for children. Pediatric residency programs can use this information to meet resident needs.

American ophthalmology graduate medical education and the web: current state of internet resource utilization

PurposeTo evaluate the presence and accessibility of ophthalmology graduate medical education (GME) programs on the internet and the degree to which web-based resources are currently being utilized by American Ophthalmology training programs. DesignProspective sampling of internet postings of ophthalmology GME programs. MethodsOphthalmology residency programs listed in the American Medical Association Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA) online website (http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/2997. html) were evaluated. Departmental websites were accessed either directly from the FREIDA website or from one of eight search engines or four metacrawlers utilized in the study. Each site was evaluated for the presence, extent, and type of postings in the following categories: residency, medical student resources, faculty, patient care, video utilization, and links. ResultsDepartments with websites numbered 102 (83%). Specific posting rates were residency 84%; medical student resource 12%; faculty 72%; patient care 69%; video 2%; links 70%. ConclusionsMost departments have websites, but only a small number have postings in all categories.