Lack Of Mentors Research Articles

Global health training opportunities during pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship: Results from a survey of program leaders.

There is growing interest in global health (GH) among medical trainees in the United States. However, providing GH training opportunities at the fellowship level presents several challenges. Understanding of barriers and facilitators to implementing GH training is essential for addressing these challenges. We developed a comprehensive survey of 65 Likert-scale multiple-choice and open-ended questions to assess perspectives of pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships leaders on GH training. The survey was electronically distributed to program leaders at all ACGME-accredited pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships programs, and data were summarized using descriptive analysis. Of 73 eligible programs, we had a 45.2% response rate with 27 complete and 6 partial responses. Respondents represented programs across the United States, including 19 (57.6%) affiliated with NCI-Designated Cancer Centers. Fourteen programs (43.8%) currently offer GH training opportunities, whereas 18 programs expressed interest in future opportunities (15, 83.3%) or plan to offer them soon (3, 16.7%). Major barriers identified include competing training priorities (23, 82.1%), lack of faculty mentors in the division (23, 82.1%), and lack of dedicated institutional funding (20, 71.4%). Key facilitators include the interest and initiative of current fellows (27, 96.4%), dedicated institutional funding (26, 92.8%), and having established international partnerships (26, 92.8%). The study reveals strong interest in GH training in pediatric hematology/oncology fellowships. Despite challenges such as competing priorities and a lack of mentors, significant facilitators include current fellows' initiatives, dedicated funding, and established international partnerships. These insights can help shape future initiatives to incorporate GH into pediatric oncology/hematology fellowship training.

Game-based Learning for Science Education in Institutional Care Settings in Northwestern Mexico

Play has been key to knowledge acquisition, creativity, and innovation. In education, game-based learning (GBL) is a physical and digital environment that enhances learning outcomes in students. This paper presents the results of observational research on game-based learning in science education as a motivation for young students from two institutional care settings in Northwestern Mexico, in the State of Sonora. The observational research touched on 1) game-based learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and 2) learning motivation in vulnerable student groups. This paper focuses on the authors' experiences, most of them early researchers focused on science education, their purpose of promoting game-based learning in STEM education, and interviews with representatives from both institutions. We found that game-based learning was seen as a novelty, innovative, and motivational way of engaging young students from institutional care settings to learn and become curious about the STEM field. We also designed and created games focused on STEM subjects in both institutions. Students living in institutional care settings face even greater obstacles regarding education. In some instances, the lack of mentorship or follow-up tutoring activities can determine their academic outcome or lack thereof. With the ever-changing world of technology, industries demand highly qualified people in STEM fields. Nonetheless, international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have reported that school systems around the world are not equipped with the proper teaching methodologies for students to acquire basic skills such as mathematics nor critical thinking. In Mexico, public school systems and institutional care settings often lack teacher training or mentorship approaches to promote STEM education. This paper concludes with a reflection on the benefits of GBL in STEM education in such settings and suggestions for student-led collaborations with children and youth in such settings.

Determining awareness of and readiness for standardized nursing languages in a mid-level midwestern hospital and associated school of nursing.

The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge, attitude, and barriers toward care planning documentation practices with standardized nursing languages (SNLs) of nurses and nursing students at a midwestern healthcare system, comparing student and nurse responses. Cross-sectional surveys were given over a 2-month period with nurses and nursing students at different sites in a midwestern healthcare system, using convenience sampling. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers to Using Standardized Nursing Languages and Current Practices Survey was adapted for use and re-tested for validity/reliability (Content Validity Index 0.81-1.00; Cronbach alpha=0.82-0.99) with 28 Likert scale items measuring knowledge, attitude, and barriers. Descriptive statistics, composite scores, correlations, t-tests, and multiple regression were used to analyze the concepts of the tool. 134/400 RNs responded (34%); 109/116 students responded (93.9%). Data analyses indicate adequate to superior levels of knowledge related to SNLs and NANDA International, Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), collectively referred to as NNN (NANDA, NIC, & NOC), positive attitudes toward SNLs/NNN and for adopting SNLs/NNN into documentation practices, but moderate to great barriers for implementation in practice. Barriers included lack of financial resources for change, lack of mentors, and lack of mandates to use SNLs. Students scored significantly higher than nurses in attitude only. Perceptions of nurses and student nurses for current documentation indicate awareness of inadequacy in existing systems and willingness to change existing systems for standardized languages, with perceived barriers to change/implementation of SNLs. Students were more positive about SNLs than nurses. Major implications for nursing are to reevaluate electronic documentation systems and determine how to insert and easily apply SNLs in these systems, such that nursing care documentation is standardized, interoperable, effective, time-saving, and attainable.

A Novel Approach to Mentorship in Pediatric Cardiology: A Group for Women.

Gender disparities for female physicians in academic medicine are longstanding. Female pediatric cardiologists experience inequities in scholarship opportunities, promotion, leadership positions, and compensation. Mentorship groups have been successfully implemented in other subspecialities with promising results. We created a peer mentorship group for female pediatric cardiologists in the Northeast and completed a needs assessment survey of eligible participants. Our goal was to better understand the current challenges and identify resources to overcome these barriers. Our objectives were to (1) describe the creation of a novel mentorship program for female pediatric cardiologists and trainees in the Northeast United States, and (2) report the results of a formal needs assessment survey of all eligible participants. All female pediatric cardiology fellows and practicing pediatric and adult congenital heart disease specialists from 15 academic centers in New England were invited to join a free group with virtual meetings. A formal needs assessment survey was provided electronically to all eligible members. The vast majority of respondents agreed that the Women in Pediatric Cardiology (WIPC) group is a valuable networking and mentorship experience (90%) and would recommend this group to a colleague (95%). Members have witnessed or experienced inequities in a broad range of settings. Common challenges experienced by respondents include dependent care demands, lack of mentorship, inadequate research support, and inequitable clinical responsibilities. Resources suggested to overcome these barriers include mentorship, sponsorship, transparency in compensation, and physician coaching. Mentorship groups have the potential to address many challenges faced by women in medicine. The WIPC Northeast program provides a forum for community, collaboration, education, and scholarship.

Improving lung point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training and accreditation - a multidisciplinary, multi-centre and multi-pronged approach to development and delivery using the action learning process

BackgroundPoint-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) consists of a range of increasingly important imaging modalities across a variety of specialties. Despite a variety of accreditation pathways available in the UK, lung POCUS training remains difficult to deliver and accreditation rates remain suboptimal. We describe a multidisciplinary, multi-centre, and multi-pronged approach to lung POCUS education within a region.MethodsA survey was conducted in a region. From these results, bottlenecks were identified for improvement. We utilised key stages in an established accreditation pathway, and the Action Learning process. Analysing participant feedback, consensus amongst the team, regional educational needs, and leveraging the expertise within the faculty, we implemented several solutions which were multidisciplinary, multi-centre, and multi-pronged. We also set up a database across several accreditation pathways to facilitate supervision and assessment of rotational trainees.ResultsUtilising the Action Learning process, we implemented several improvements at elements of the lung ultrasound accreditation pathways. An initial regional survey identified key barriers to accreditation: lack of courses (52%), lack of mentors (93%), and difficulty arranging directly supervised scans (73%). A multidisciplinary team of trainers was assembled. Regular courses were organised and altered based on feedback and anecdotal educational needs within the region. Courses were set up to also facilitate continuing professional development and exchange of knowledge and ideas amongst trainers. The barrier of supervision was removed through the organisation of regular supervision sessions, facilitating up to fifty scans per half day per trainer. We collected feedback from courses and optimised them. Remote mentoring platforms were utilised to encourage asynchronous supervision. A database of trainers was collated to facilitate triggered assessments. These approaches promoted a conducive environment and a commitment to learning. Repeat survey results support this.ConclusionLung ultrasound accreditation remains a complex educational training pathway. Utilising an education framework, recruiting a multidisciplinary team, ensuring a multi-pronged approach, and fostering a commitment to learning can improve accreditation success.

Factors of engagement in research after graduation from EP fellowship: An HRS survey

BackgroundThe declining number of electrophysiologists pursuing academic research careers could have a negative impact on innovation for patients with heart rhythm disorders in the coming decades. ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore determinants of research engagement after graduation from electrophysiology (EP) fellowship programs and to evaluate associated barriers and opportunities. MethodsA mixed methods survey of EP fellows and early-career electrophysiologists was conducted, drawing from Heart Rhythm Society members. The survey encompassed 20 questions on demographics, research involvement, perceived research barriers, and perspectives on research time and opportunities. Responses were analyzed with robust Poisson regression. ResultsOf 259 respondents, those with dedicated research blocks during their fellowship had a significantly higher interest in future research (relative risk, 1.15; P = .04). The number of peer-reviewed publications modestly influenced interest in continued research (relative risk, 1.0034 per publication; P < .0001), but there was no relationship to gender or race. Educational resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, funding, and protected time to enhance research engagement were important themes in the qualitative analysis, whereas key barriers to post-fellowship research were lack of mentorship, insufficient resources, and time constraints, in that order, particularly with respect to women in research. Notably, no significant differences in barriers were observed between community training programs and academic centers. ConclusionResearch experience and mentorship during EP fellowship were key determinants of subsequent research success after training, with similar findings by sex and race. These findings explain how fellowship training influences a physician’s research practice after training and highlights opportunities to modify EP fellowships and to augment research retention.

The Critical Role of Health Educators: Findings from the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS).

This analysis of governmental health educators from the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey (PH WINS) examines demographic and workplace characteristics, COVID-19 pandemic activities and beliefs, job satisfaction, training needs, mental health, and engagement in health equity. Participants were public health staff in public health agencies who completed the 2021 PH WINS. Chi-square and means tests were used to compare job satisfaction, mental health status, training needs, and health equity concepts between health educators and other disciplines in the governmental public health workforce. Like PH WINS 2017 findings, health educators were significantly younger, more likely to be female, more diverse, and more likely to work in regional/local health departments than the national governmental public health workforce. About 70% of health educators played a role in responding to the pandemic. Only 46.1% of health educators rated their mental health as excellent or very good as compared to 48.2% of other disciplines. About 31% considered leaving the organization due to stress, unsatisfactory opportunities, and lack of mentoring. Health educators expressed the need for training in financial and change management. Both health educators and other governmental workers expressed high levels of awareness of and confidence in addressing social determinants of health and health equity, but less confidence in addressing environmental justice. Certified health education specialists (CHES(R)) were significantly more likely to be aware of concepts of health equity, social determinants of health (SDOH), and structural racism than non-CHES(R). Overall, the training needs and job satisfaction of health educators changed little between the two surveys. However, COVID-19 had a significantly greater impact on their mental health status compared to other public health disciplines. They also are addressing racism in their communities and are more aware of health equity concepts than other public health disciplines. Implications for strengthening public health infrastructure, as well as recruitment/retention, professional preparation, and practice are provided.

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHALLENGES IN INDIA

This paper examines the challenges faced by student entrepreneurs in India, aiming to slip light on the factors impacting their entrepreneurial trip. The disquisition employs mixed-styles approach, combining qualitative interviews and quantitative checks to gather comprehensive receptivity. Findings reveal a myriad of challenges, including limited access to backing, lack of mentorship, nonsupervisory hurdles, and societal spots also, cultural morals and educational systems impact scholars' perceptions and amenability to pursue entrepreneurship. Understanding these challenges is vital for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions and support systems to foster a thrivin ecosystem for student entrepreneurship in India. KEYWORDS - Research paper, Challenges to start a Startup, Entrepreneurship, Barrier for Startup, Barriers for Entrepreneurs.

“The Air Is Being Sucked Out of the Room”: Experiences of Social Work Students of Color with Antiracism Education in the Classroom and Practicum

Abstract This study explores the experiences of social work students of color (SOC) and their antiracism education within a school of social work at a public university. Twenty-one SOC participated in focus groups where they described their experiences with antiracism education. Several key themes were identified: (a) finding community through affinity groups, (b) SOC interactions with White students, (c) differentiating internalized racism and anti-Black racism, (d) the impact of White instructors and the lack of mentors and supervisors of color, (e) microaggressions and incidents of racism, and (f) taking up space. As this is an exploratory study, authors make recommendations for social work schools to pilot in the future. These recommendations include assessing White students’ skill level with antiracism education and practice before placing them in classes with SOC, assessing faculty’s skill set with antiracist teaching and providing ongoing support, creating sustained affinity spaces for SOC as a way to booster wellness, designing and piloting antiracist outcomes for social work students, and developing simulation-based learning with simulated patients as a tool to measure antiracist practice competencies.

Filipino Hospitality Industry Gender Disparities: Hiring Practices, Salary Levels, and Promotional Opportunities

This research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing the snowball sampling technique to conduct in-depth interviews with women from various roles within the Filipino hospitality sector. The study employs narrative analysis to elucidate discriminatory practices in hiring, remuneration, and professional advancement opportunities. Findings reveal a pattern of gender disparities, with biased recruitment practices directing women into lower-paid service roles while men ascend to leadership positions. A significant pay gap persists, attributed to occupational segregation and undervaluation of female-dominated professions. The study identifies unconscious biases, lack of mentorship, and a corporate culture favoring stereotypically "male" leadership attributes as barriers to career progression. Recommendations include advocating for anti-discrimination legislation, transparent hiring protocols, and addressing pay differentials through audits and awareness initiatives. Employers are urged to implement unbiased recruitment and mentorship programs, while educational institutions and civil society organizations play roles in empowering women and advocating for policy reform. The study underscores the need for collective commitment to gender equality to transform the Filipino hospitality industry into a model of inclusivity and collaboration.

Experiences with pre-graduate research among Danish medical students and doctors.

Pre-graduate research is popular among medical students. Concerns about time constraints and lack of mentorship have been raised in international studies. The extent to which these issues affect Danish medical students remains unclear. We therefore aimed to assess the conditions and outcomes of pre-graduate research among medical students from the University of Copenhagen. A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey on experiences from pre-graduate research was distributed to medical students and recently graduated medical doctors from the University of Copenhagen who had engaged in full-time pre-graduate research. The survey covered 1) working hours and income, 2) publications and authorship and 3) work environment and well-being. A total of 437 pre-graduate researchers participated in the survey. Pre-graduate research often involved a period outside of medical school (88%) and typically lasted a year (56%), with clinical research being the most common focus (68%). Almost a third worked longer hours (29%) than agreed and additional hours were commonly provided after the research period. Scholarships of 10,000 DKK a month were the primary source of income (72%). Most participants achieved their publication goals (62%) and experiences on work environment and well-being were generally positive. Pre-graduate research provides a conducive environment for medical students to engage in scientific research. Hovewer, engaging in pre-graduate research entails long working hours, is inadequately remunerated and often requires students to take leave from medical school. None. Not relevant.

Advancing gender parity in educational leadership: Insights from selected secondary schools in Shinyanga Municipality

This study had two objectives: firstly, it examined the factors contributing to women's underrepresentation in senior leadership positions in selected secondary schools in Shinyanga Municipality. Secondly, it explores strategies to ensure gender parity in schools’ leadership positions. While previous studies have investigated factors contributing to women’s underrepresentation, there is still little information on strategies to ensure gender equality in schools’ leadership positions. To ensure equality in school leadership positions, it is significant to determine factors contributing to women’s underrepresentation and to identify strategies to promote gender equality. To attain the study objectives, data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A total of 137 respondents participated in filling in the questionnaires, while 6 participants were involved in the semi-structured interviews. The quantitative part of the data was analysed using a logistic regression model, while the qualitative data underwent analysis using thematic methods. The findings revealed several factors impeding women from accessing leadership positions. These were: lack of confidence, low educational qualification, work-life interface, lack of mentorship, inaccessibility to leadership opportunities, women’s disengagement in decision-making, societal expectations, inflexible work plans, unsupportive networks, and individual unwillingness. The findings also revealed several strategies to ensure gender equality in school leadership positions such as adequate implementation of policy advocating for fair appointment, training on leadership skills, formation of platforms and forums for women’s participation in educational leadership, and shaping societal views and expectations. This study recommends the formation of concrete policies that will guide the relevant educational authority in appointing teachers into managerial positions in secondary schools. The presence of such policies will help to minimise the gender gap in school management.

New Graduate Nurses Transition: Role of Lack of Experience and Knowledge as Challenging Factors

Background: Insufficient experience and practical knowledge makes challenges in addressing health-care practice-related issues. Being a professional nurse after completing your nursing studies is a challenging time. Most frequently, the quantity of patients with severe illnesses and co-morbidities, the lack of mentorship, performance anxiety, communication issues, and the blame/complaint culture are blamed for the difficulties faced by inexperienced nurses. The study aimed to identify the challenges and the associated factors which limit the knowledge acquisition of new nurse graduates in Oman. Methodology: Using a cross-sectional study design, 104 people were selected as a sample from Ibri Hospital. We have adopted convenience and snowball sampling methods to reach out to the participants. The data was collected between June, 2022, to September, 2022. Data from nurses was gathered by a primary survey approach utilizing a closed-ended questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS (Statistical Tool for Social Sciences) version 20.0. Results: Nursing professionals face a number of obstacles, including role expectations, lack of confidence, workload, fear, and orientation concerns. In addition, variables including the physical environment, responsibility, support, and professional development contribute to their dissatisfaction. It is rare for newly graduated nurses to be assigned to cases where they lack the confidence to handle clinical cases. The study also found positive relationship between preceptor support and leadership/communication, organizing and prioritizing, professional satisfaction, and work satisfaction. Conclusion: The study came to the conclusion that the main problem facing nurses in the healthcare setting is transition. During their transitional time, newly graduated nurses face a variety of obstacles related to job expectations, confidence, workload, orientation, and concerns. To overcome these obstacles, nursing administrators and preceptors must come up with and apply important solutions. As a result, the current study suggests that transitional support initiatives are helpful in assisting recently graduated nurses. Also, hospital orientation programs are necessary to adapt to the changing demands of new nurses in a constantly evolving healthcare setting.

Analysis of Students' Difficulty in Writing Beginnings in Class I Elementary School

The purpose of this research is to describe students' difficulties in writing beginnings and the factors that influence students' difficulties in writing beginnings. This research was carried out at SD Negeri 83/I Bajubang. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study type of research. The data collection techniques in this research used observation, interview and documentation techniques. The Miles and Huberman model data analysis techniques are data reduction, data presentation and data verification. The results of the research show that students' difficulties in starting writing in grade I elementary school are that they do not know the letters of the alphabet, students are too slow in writing, write letters backwards, there are letters left behind when writing, the distance between words is unstable, and the student's sitting position when writing not quite right. Factors that influence students' initial writing difficulties are students' lack of interest and motivation in learning, lack of focus in learning, lack of mentoring and support from parents.

Analysis of Students' Difficulty in Writing Beginnings in Class I Elementary School

The purpose of this research is to describe students' difficulties in writing beginnings and the factors that influence students' difficulties in writing beginnings. This research was carried out at SD Negeri 83/I Bajubang. This research uses a qualitative approach with a case study type of research. The data collection techniques in this research used observation, interview and documentation techniques. The Miles and Huberman model data analysis techniques are data reduction, data presentation and data verification. The results of the research show that students' difficulties in starting writing in grade I elementary school are that they do not know the letters of the alphabet, students are too slow in writing, write letters backwards, there are letters left behind when writing, the distance between words is unstable, and the student's sitting position when writing not quite right. Factors that influence students' initial writing difficulties are students' lack of interest and motivation in learning, lack of focus in learning, lack of mentoring and support from parents.

The Barriers of Conducting Medical Research in Saudi Arabia: A Review

Research is a crucial component of scientific and medical progress, generating new information and advancing healthcare knowledge. In the context of Saudi Arabia, it is essential for healthcare professionals and students to engage in research activities to stay current and improve patient care. This study explores the attitudes, knowledge, and barriers faced by healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia regarding research analysis and writing. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted, focusing on English-language scientific literature published between August and September 2023, primarily through PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Saudi Digital Library. Reports written in English related to research in Saudi Arabia were considered for analysis. Result: The study identifies several barriers faced by Saudi healthcare workers in research, including issues like time constraints, lack of mentoring, and inadequate knowledge. The attitude and knowledge toward publishing research among medical residents were found to be suboptimal, with some individuals reporting low knowledge and unacceptable attitudes. Challenges such as the research approval process, heavy workloads, and gender disparities in research participation were also highlighted. Conclusion: Overcoming barriers to research and promoting a research culture is crucial for strengthening the scientific value of Saudi Arabia. By addressing the identified obstacles and implementing recommended measures, Saudi Arabia can contribute to the global research community and achieve its Vision 2030 goals, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Women in Anesthesiology and the Mid-Career Stall: Why They Are Not Advancing Into Senior Leadership.

Women anesthesiologists face many challenges when trying to advance their careers and find balance in personal and professional endeavors. In this article, we introduce the reader to several concepts central to understanding the challenges faced by mid-career women anesthesiologists and highlight why these challenges become particularly pronounced when women enter the mid-career stage. We describe how lack of constructive actionable feedback combined with lack of mentorship and sponsorship negatively affects women in the workplace. We also outline barriers and bias that mid-career women anesthesiologists face in high-level leadership roles along with the disproportionally high burden of nonpromotable work. We present a discussion of mistreatment and burnout, which are compounded by concurrent demands of parenthood and a professional career. We conclude with the impact that these barriers have on mid-career women anesthesiologists and recommendations for mitigating these challenges. They include a systematic increase in mentorship and sponsorship, an individualized professional development strategy, and an improved and comprehensive approach to promotion.

Assessing radiologists' and radiographers' perceptions on artificial intelligence integration: opportunities and challenges.

The objective of this study was to evaluate radiologists' and radiographers' opinions and perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into the radiology department. Additionally, we investigated the most common challenges and barriers that radiologists and radiographers face when learning about AI. A nationwide, online descriptive cross-sectional survey was distributed to radiologists and radiographers working in hospitals and medical centres from May 29, 2023 to July 30, 2023. The questionnaire examined the participants' opinions, feelings, and predictions regarding AI and its applications in the radiology department. Descriptive statistics were used to report the participants' demographics and responses. Five-points Likert-scale data were reported using divergent stacked bar graphs to highlight any central tendencies. Responses were collected from 258 participants, revealing a positive attitude towards implementing AI. Both radiologists and radiographers predicted breast imaging would be the subspecialty most impacted by the AI revolution. MRI, mammography, and CT were identified as the primary modalities with significant importance in the field of AI application. The major barrier encountered by radiologists and radiographers when learning about AI was the lack of mentorship, guidance, and support from experts. Participants demonstrated a positive attitude towards learning about AI and implementing it in the radiology practice. However, radiologists and radiographers encounter several barriers when learning about AI, such as the absence of experienced professionals support and direction. Radiologists and radiographers reported several barriers to AI learning, with the most significant being the lack of mentorship and guidance from experts, followed by the lack of funding and investment in new technologies.

POTENTIAL OF DUAL FORM OF EDUCATION IN TRAINING OF FUTURE SPECIALISTS IN SOCIAL WORK

The article characterizes dual education as an innovative form of training of qualified specialists, based on the development and deepening of interaction between the professional education system and the professional environment. It is noted that all applied professions have great potential for the use of a dual form of education, in particular, in the field of health care, engineering, economics, tourism, finance and management, and social work. The domestic normative and legal framework of dual education has been analyzed. The experience of Germany, which is the birthplace of dual education, is presented. Traced the process of introducing elements of dual education into the process of training specialists in Ukraine, which began in the mid-2010s with the launch of pilot projects for the training of skilled workers. The advantages and disadvantages of dual education from the point of view of the educational institution, the student and the employer are outlined. The prospects of dual education in the training of social work specialists as representatives of the applied profession are considered. It is emphasized that it is dual education that deepens the connection between theoretical and practical training of future social work specialists, creating conditions for students to learn the laws and principles of professional activity, master the methods and forms of its organization. The article indicates the difficulties and risks that accompany the process of introducing a dual form of education in the training of social workers, in particular: the need to take into account regional aspects of the training of social workers, the unpreparedness of higher education institutions for the introduction of new organizational approaches to education, an undeveloped financing mechanism, the lack of guarantees for the continuation of a graduate’s work at the enterprise, the presence of a full staff of employees, low motivation of education seekers to work in production, lack of mentors at the workplace, etc.

Female representation in orthopedic surgery: where do we stand in Belgium ?

Female underrepresentation in Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology is a well-known issue worldwide, including in Belgium. Most of the literature comes from northern America. This two-part study aims to quantify the female workforce in orthopedic surgery in Belgium and assess the presence of unconscious biases among active orthopedic surgeons. Epidemiological data from national registries, orthopedic societies and universities in Belgium were analyzed. This included data on medical students, residents, active orthopedic surgeons and awards given by a Belgian orthopedic society. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to Belgian orthopedic surgeons, assessing their perceptions of gender stereotypes and potential unconscious biases. 90 participants responded with 70% of men and mean age was 36 years old. The data revealed that 12% of active orthopedic surgeons in Belgium were women in 2020. However, the representation f women was higher among residents, with a thirty percent distribution. In one university, women had a slightly higher chance of getting accepted in the orthopedic training then men. The questionnaire results indicated the presence of unconscious bias regarding subspecialties, which aligned with the actual distribution. Women tend to specialize more in upper limb surgery and pediatrics while men focus more frequently on lower limb surgery. The findings highlight the need for addressing the underrepresentation of women in orthopedic surgery and traumatology in Belgium. If the current rate of progress continues, it is projected that 30% of active orthopedic surgeons will be female by the year 2074. Identifying and addressing factors contributing to the underrepresentation, such as lack of mentorship, unconscious biases, visibility issues, and discrimination, is crucial for empowering future female orthopedic surgeons and fostering diversity in the field. Collaboration among European universities and orthopedic societies can play a vital role in reducing barriers and promoting gender equality in orthopedic surgery and traumatology.