Graduate Medical Students Research Articles

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common diseases (20‒40% among skin diseases) that occur in both genders worldwide and in different age groups. The problem urgency is caused by an increase in morbidity, a chronic relapsing course that often leads to a decrease in the quality of life and disability, low efficiency of traditional treatment methods, and limited access to contemporary effective targeted therapy. The clinical guidelines, which aimed to optimize care for patients with atopic dermatitis, contain up-to-date information on epidemiology, etiological factors, mechanisms of development and pathogenesis, aspects of the clinical presentation and disease course, current diagnostic methods (including allergological examination methods), as well as approaches to treatment (including traditional methods and modern targeted therapy). The indications for allergen-specific immunotherapy are determined, and the aspects of its implementation are described. The procedure for the provision of medical care, prevention, and follow-up monitoring is outlined. Clinical practice guidelines for atopic dermatitis are intended for practitioners of all specialties, students, teachers of medical schools, residents, graduate students, and researchers.

Comprehensive Reform and Greater Equity in Applying to Residency-Trainees' Mixed Responses to a Pass/Fail USMLE Step 1.

Pass/fail USMLE Step 1 score reporting may have varying implications for trainees of different demographic and training backgrounds. To characterize the perspectives of a diverse cohort of trainees on the impact of pass/fail Step 1 score reporting. In 2020, 197 US and international medical school deans and 822 designated institutional officials were invited to distribute anonymous electronic surveys among their trainees. Separate surveys for medical students and residents/fellows were developed based on the authors' prior work surveying program directors on this topic. Underrepresented in medicine (UiM) was defined in accordance with AAMC definitions. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed, and results were considered statistically significant with P < .05. A total of 11 633 trainees responded (4379 medical students and 7254 residents/fellows; 3.3% of an estimated 285 000 US trainees). More students favored the score reporting change than residents/fellows (43% vs 31%; P < .001; 95% CI 0-24). Trainees identifying as UiM were more likely to favor the change (50% vs 34%; P < .001; 95% CI 0-32) and to agree it would decrease socioeconomic disparities (44% vs 25%; P < .001; 95% CI 0-38) relative to non-UiM trainees. Nearly twice as many osteopathic and international medical graduate students felt they would be disadvantaged compared to MD students because of pass/fail score reporting (61% vs 31%; P < .001; 95% CI 0-60). Trainee perspectives regarding USMLE Step 1 score reporting are mixed. UiM trainees were more likely to favor the score reporting change, while osteopathic and international medical students were less in favor of the change.

Perception and practice of 4th year MBBS students on self- medication

Background: Self-medication practice is widespread in many countries and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. It assumes a special significance among medical students as they are exposed to knowledge about diseases and drugs. Medical students must be able to distinguish about their drugs outcomes on body. Aim: To assess perception and practice of self-medication among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out among 4thyear MBBS students of Lahore Medical &amp; Dental College in January 2019. Students of 4th year MBBS were asked to engage in the study after getting voluntary informed consent. A structured questionnaire was used. Data was entered, analyzed in SPSS 20. Results: In this study respondents 39.1% were male and 60.9% female. It was found that 77(67%) students practiced self-medication. The principal morbidity for seeking self-medication was headache as reported by 96(83.5%) students. NSAIDS were most commonly self-medicated as reported by 67(58.3%) students. Only 31(27%) students advised others for self-medication. Conclusion: Self-medication is widely practiced among under- graduate medical students. In this situation, we should educate the students about advantages and disadvantages of self-medication. Keywords: Self-medication, medical students, perception, practice.

Virtual reality-based neurological examination teaching tool(VRNET) versus standardized patient in teaching neurological examinations for the medical students: a randomized, single-blind study

BackgroundThe conventional methods for teaching neurological examination with real patients to medical students have some limitations if the patient with the symptom or disease is not available. Therefore, we developed a Virtual Reality-based Neurological Examination Teaching Tool (VRNET) and evaluated its usefulness in in teaching neurological examinations for the medical students.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, single-blind study, we recruited 98 medical students and divided them into two groups: 1) A standardized patient(SP) group that received the clinical performance examination utilizing standard patients complaining of dizziness was provided neurological findings using conventional method such as verbal description, photographs, and video clips; 2) A SP with VRNET group that was provided the neurological findings using the newly developed tool. Among the 98 students, 3 did not agree to participate, and 95 were enrolled in this study. The SP group comprised 39 students and the SP with VRNET group had 56 students.ResultsThere were no statistical differences in VRNET’s realness and student satisfaction between the SP and SP with VRNET groups. However, a statistically significant difference was found in the Neurologic Physical Exam (NPE) score (p = 0.043); the SP with VRNET group had higher NPE scores (3.81 ± 0.92) than the SP group (3.40 ± 1.01).ConclusionsVRNET is useful in teaching senior (graduating) medical students with SP with a neurologic problem.

A VARIATION IN ORIGIN OF BRANCHES OF PROFUNDA FEMORIS ARTERY IN RELATION WITH FEMORAL ARTERY: A CASE REPORT

Introduction – Profunda femoris is the main course of supply to the muscles of thigh area. It is the biggest part of femoral supply route in the thigh region. It gives out branches named medial circumex femoral and lateral circumex femoral and four perforating branches and proceeds as the fourth perforating branch in the mid of thigh. A variation regarding the branching pattern of profunda femoris artery was observed with an origin of medial and lateral circumex arteries is been seen in a formalin embalmed 55 years of age female cadaver during typical dissection procedure in the dissection hall. Methods - The study was undertaken on lower limb of a fully embalmed 55years old female cadaver in the department of anatomy, used for routine dissection for teaching undergraduate and post graduate medical students. Result - In this female cadaver on left side of lower limb, there was an uncommon origin of lateral circumex femoral artery directly from the femoral artery with a normal emergence of medial circumex femoral artery from profunda femoris artery. While on the right side of the same Cadaver, the profunda femoris artery arose at usual distance i.e., 3.7cm below inguinal ligament, from posterolateral aspect of femoral artery and then it bifurcates into lateral and medial circumex femoral artery. Conclusion - Current examination will assist the clinicians to bypass iatrogenic inconveniences during a surgical procedure and will likewise help them in methodology for interventional radiology around this region.

LOW BACK PAIN IN MEDICAL STUDENTS: PREVALENCE AND RELATED FACTORS

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the prevalence of low back pain and related factors among graduate medical students, and to measure the level of disability that this pain can cause in these students. Methods Data were collected virtually, through Google Forms. After signing an Informed Consent Form (ICF), the participants responded to a sociodemographic survey, and those who reported having low back pain responded to the Oswestry Disability Index. The data analysis was conducted in three stages, through the R Core Team 2020 statistic program, open-source and free software. The Chi-square Test and Fisher’s Exact Test were used in the second and third stages. Results The study was composed of 200 participants, of whom 58% reported lumbar pain. Of those with pain, 94% had minimum scores on the disability scale. None of the variables showed a relevant connection, though BMI, sex, and use of Alcohol were notable for achieving p-values of around 0.05 or higher. Conclusion The prevalence of lumbar pain among the medical students was 58%, and no specific risk factors were identified. Furthermore, 94% of the students who reported lumbar pain had a minimum disability score and 6% a moderate score. None of the participants presented severe or greater disability. Level of evidence II; A descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach.

1449Rapid Evidence for Practice modules: using team-based learning to teach evidence-based medicine

Abstract Background Evidence-based medicine (EBM) teaching in medical education programs introduces key clinical epidemiology concepts to the future medical workforce. Team-based learning (TBL) is a student-centred learning strategy increasingly used in medical education. We adapted the TBL framework into Rapid Evidence for Practice (REP) modules which will provide students with EBM knowledge and skills and prepare them to apply evidence within short timeframes, simulating real world clinical contexts. Methods Year 2 graduate medical students completed a REP module on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comprising: online informational content, an individual readiness quiz; a forum featuring a critical appraisal demonstration, and a team-based rapid appraisal and application of a published RCT to a clinical scenario. Student feedback was collected by questionnaire, using closed and open-ended items. Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results In total, 54/259 (20%) of participants completed a questionnaire regarding the REP module. Summary quantitative results found 91% of students agreed that REP helped them develop a way to use evidence to approach clinical questions and 81% agreed they were satisfied with this method of teaching. Complete quantitative and qualitative analysis results will be presented at the congress. Conclusions Our adaption of the TBL framework into a REP module addressing RCTs was highly rated by medical students. Further evaluation of REP for other study types is planned. Key messages REP appears to be an acceptable method of delivering EBM teaching to graduate medical students.

Alex Proekt, M.D., Ph.D., Recipient of the 2021 James E. Cottrell, M.D., Presidential Scholar Award

Alex Proekt, M.D., Ph.D., Recipient of the 2021 James E. Cottrell, M.D., Presidential Scholar Award

Opinion of medical students on online classes during covid 19 pandemic

: COVID-19 is referred as pandemic due to its severity and fierceness also as the greatest global health crisis since after centuries in human civilization. This made many schools and colleges to remain shut down for an indefinite time as the only option left to prevent transmission of virus in the institutions. At the same time, teaching concepts have changed with a similar speed than the evolution of the Internet, social media and digital technology. In these circumstances online teaching has become the only option left to fulfill the academic necessities of the students. This study will help to find out the students' opinion and attitude towards online classes during COVID – 19 Pandemic. : An Anonymous Cross sectional study is conducted among undergraduate medical students of various colleges affiliated to DRNTRUHS, AP regarding their opinion and attitude towards online teaching classes conducted during Covid 19 pandemic period by sharing the link for Google document. 432 under graduate medical students were participated in the study. 313 participants (72.41%) opined that online teaching is helpful. Majority of participants opined that online teaching is helpful (72.41%); comfortable (61.63%); they are able to interact (73.7%). 68.74% of participants have troubles to attend online classes. Very less participants (13.79%) showed their preference for online classes after this period. All the participants strongly mentioned that their practical skills will be affected badly due to this type of teaching.The deadly and infectious disease Covid-19 has deeply affected the educational system globally. In our present study majority of students strongly opined that online teaching is helpful; they are also comfortable and able to interact with their faculty also. When COVID 19 resolves, transformative changes are expected in medical education through the use of emergent technology.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on safe disposal of medicines among medical personnel

Increasing disease incidence and prevalence has led to tremendous increase in the use of medications. The consumers are not able to use all the dispensed medications because of various reasons. The improper disposal of these unused medicines has led to environmental contamination to an alarming extent. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical personnel about disposal of unused medicines. The study was conducted on post graduate medical students, MBBS and nursing students of a tertiary care hospital of North India. It was cross sectional, descriptive study based on a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about the disposition of left over medications. Descriptive statistical analysis of the results was done. Stockpiling was reported by 100% of the students. The most common reason for stockpiling was excess purchase of medicines (41%). The most commonly procured medicine was NSAID (55.9%). The most common method of disposal was with household waste (69%). Majority of the respondents answered that take back programmes and government interference is the solution to this problem. : Majority of the people are having unused medicines at home and most commonly they dispose it by throwing along with rubbish. Lack of knowledge regarding proper disposal is the main reason behind this. Initiatives should be taken to spread awareness regarding proper disposal methods of unused medicines.

Individual and Institutional Factors Preventing Completion of Research by Medical Graduate Students at Cairo University: Questionnaire Study.

BackgroundMedical research plays a significant role in advancing the level of health care worldwide. This research is a crucial part of the development of any educational system. In developing countries, the publication rate related to the medical sciences is lower than that in developed countries.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the causes of delay in publishing research and the factors that hinder the completion of master’s degree projects in a group of medical graduate students at Cairo University Faculty of Medicine.MethodsA web-based questionnaire was introduced to approximately 150 medical graduates in different specialties through social media. The questionnaire aimed to investigate the reasons for delays in publishing master’s degree manuscripts after graduation among a group of medical graduates.ResultsOf the graduates contacted, 130 responded to the web-based survey. The ages of the participants ranged from 23-38 years (SD 3.88); 72 of them were male, and 58 were female. Causes of noncompletion of manuscripts were analyzed; lack of proper research training and the absence of supportive mentorship were top reasons. We found a significant relationship between being married and failing to complete the assigned project from its start up to publication. Moreover, we found that the frequency of nonfulfillment increased among those who experienced poor mentorship.ConclusionsSeveral factors are contributing to the delay in publication of medical manuscripts related to research projects by medical graduates of the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine. Pensive supervision must be implemented to decipher the persistent institutional problems that obstruct research progress.

A multicenter study on problematic pornography consumption

Introduction: Internet pornography use is a sexual behavior, and it comprises a variety of online sexual activities, including watching pornography, online pornography exchange, and engaging in sex chats. Due to rise in Internet access and technologies, online pornography and other type of repetitive behaviors have increased. The current study was aimed to estimate the prevalence of problematic pornography consumption among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was carried out at seven different centers of Gujarat from October 2020 to December 2020. Online structured questionnaire in two different parts: (1) Demographic details and usage pattern of pornography among students, (2) Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale was prepared and shared with all undergraduate students through designated faculty. Logistic regression analysis was used for problematic pornography consumption (as dependent variable) and other categorical variables as independent variables. Results: A total of 1926 participants completed the study. The prevalence of problematic pornography consumption among participants was 14.6% (95% confidence interval 12.4–16.1). Male participants and participants who are in a romantic relationship have higher problematic pornography consumption. Participants' gender (odds ratio OR = 3.562), relationship status (OR = 1.636), weekly (OR = 1.749), and daily (OR = 1.733) pornography consumption emerged as statistically significant with the problematic pornography consumption from the logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Problematic pornography consumption is more prevalent among male under graduate medical students than females. It is important to educate the students about the potential harmful adverse effects of pornography and to develop a positive attitude toward sex.

Perceived academic concerns of under graduate medical students: a study of student’s perspective

Background: With the drastic increase in the number of under graduate medical seats in India, the quality of medical education is facing challenges. To address these issues, curricular reforms have been advocated. Medical students are one of the stakeholders and their perceptions regarding medical education system hold a lot of importance.Methods: This study was conducted by the department of community medicine of a premier medical institute of Delhi and involved analysis of 457 feedback forms filled by medical students about their academic concerns and their perceptions about ways to address these concerns. The responses were kept anonymous. They were read several times and were grouped to deduce meaningful information in order to reach an overall understanding.Results: The medical students were concerned about the lengthy curriculum, long duration of lectures, language barrier and inappropriate assessment methods used. Lack of proper time management and recreational facilities were also pointed out. To address these concerns, they suggested some modifications in teaching and assessment methods like shorter and more interactive lectures, more focus on small group interactive teaching, healthier and friendlier teacher-student relationship and less frequent and skill-based assessment.Conclusions: The concerns and suggestions made by students are important and valid. Most of these issues have already been taken up in latest modifications in medical education by Medical Council of India. The competency based medical education program which has been implemented recently has called for major reforms, which are also the felt needs of medical students.

The THRIVE COVID-19 Fellowship: Creating a Forum for Collaborative Team Science and Innovation Development

<strong>Purpose:</strong> Launched in October 2020, the Mount Sinai Targeted Healthcare Innovation Fellowship (THRIVE) is a 9-month program for participants from diverse professional backgrounds to form teams to develop a HealthTech innovation related to COVID-19. This innovative program is designed to provide an experiential team science platform for participants to take an idea from concept to commercial viable innovation, whilst developing the skills to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. THIRVE participants are comprised of medical students, graduate students, and trainees (including residents and fellows) from across the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. <strong>Methods:</strong> Following a competitive application process, 14 THRIVE fellows self-select into 3 transdisciplinary teams to work collaboratively across Slack and other online platforms. Participants are provided with access to a range of mentors and experts in the field, and encouraged to identify and reach out to these individuals to create their own networks of professional support. Participants are allocated a $2500 per team and prepared budgets to allocate funds towards hardware, software and input from external consultants (see <em><strong>Figure 1</strong></em> for program timeline). Success of the program will be evaluated by: <ul><li>assessing pre- and post- collaborative research orientation among THRIVE fellows using the Research Orientation Scale [1]</li><li>using social network analysis (SNA) to investigate the social networks of THRIVE fellows to capture patterns of communication and collaboration related to innovation development</li><li>exploring participant experiences of group formation, teamwork and collaboration related to innovation development using one-to-one semi-structured interview</li><li>determining team success in innovation development, measured by number of publications, funding awarded, provisional patents and viable products.</li></ul> <strong>Results: </strong>Paired t-tests will determine whether collaborative orientation of THRIVE fellows changes pre- vs. post- program participation, indicating changes in attitude toward multidisciplinary team work. SNA will be used to describe structural patterns of communication with mentors and experts in the field that occur at individual and group levels. Network-level indices will provide insight into patterns of communication that exist in innovation development: degree centrality (number of connections per individual), betweenness centrality (number of bridges to others in a network), closeness centrality (closeness to others in a network). We will also test for associations between network characteristics and team success. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Understanding patterns of formal and informal relationships, interactions, and perceptions of the collaborative process among individuals in THRIVE teams will demonstrate whether such a program can provide an effective forum for team science and innovation development related to COVID-19.

11 A Sequential Simulation Experience for Interim Foundation Doctors and Analysis of Preparedness to Practice Early

IntroductionCovid-19 necessitated the early graduation of medical students to join the healthcare workforce as Foundation Interim Year 1 (FiY1) doctors. A sequential simulation session was implemented to improve and assess FiY1 preparedness towards approaching deteriorating patients.Method12 FiY1 doctors participated in the session containing three sequential major stations: complex new admission, ward-based management, and acute deterioration. Participants interpreted investigations, performed examinations, created management plans, and escalated using a pager.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in preparedness for giving treatment (median(IQR): pre-simulation 3(3-4) vs. post-simulation 4(4-4.75); p = 0.04) and paperwork (2(2-3.75) vs. 4(3.25-4.75); p = 0.03). Following four weeks of FiY1 participants demonstrated significant improvement in preparedness for giving treatment (median(IQR): pre-simulation 3(3-4) vs. post-FiY1 4.5(4-5); p = 0.01), communication and teamworking (4(3.25-4.75) vs. 5(5-5.75); p = 0.01), and paperwork (2(2-3.75) vs. 5(5-5); p = 0.01). The FiY1 programme improved integration within teams and facilitated training whilst medical school placements left participants feeling apprehensive and unprepared to practice.ConclusionsThis session provided an engaging method of increasing preparedness towards common challenges new physicians face. This study suggests future senior medical student apprenticeships should give the same investment, opportunities, and responsibilities as that of the FiY1 programme.

End-of-Life Care: A Multimodal and Comprehensive Curriculum for Graduating Medical Students Utilizing Experiential Learning Opportunities.

IntroductionEnd-of-life (EOL) care is an essential skill for most physicians and health care providers, yet there continues to be an educational gap in medical education literature for these skills. The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine developed the Transition to Residency, Internship, and Preparation for Life Events (TRIPLE) curriculum with the primary goal of preparing graduating medical students for life after medical school.MethodsThe EOL module was one of many within the TRIPLE curriculum and consisted of two half-day sessions that targeted EOL care, death, dying, and communication skills. The first half-day session focused on a standardized patient encounter where learners initiated and completed an EOL care goals conversation around a living will. The second half-day session focused on death and dying. It included didactic sessions on organ donation, autopsy/death certificates, a simulation-based learning session on ending a resuscitation, and a standardized patient encounter where learners disclosed the death of a loved one. End-of-day and end-of-course evaluations were collected via anonymous online surveys.ResultsIn 2019, 120 students and 26 instructors participated in TRIPLE. Students rated the EOL module overall as 4.6 of 5 (SD = 0.6) and rated instructors overall as 4.6 of 5 (SD = 0.6).DiscussionBy implementing a thorough and diverse curriculum with a variety of modalities and targeted skills, learners may be better prepared to care for patients dealing with EOL care issues. Further, the generalization of these skills may assist learners in a variety of other aspects of patient and family care.

Effects of Participating in a Research Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students' Educational Routines and Mental Health: Protocol for a Web-Based Survey Study.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social isolation, which has a potential negative impact on the educational routines (eg, the suspension of face-to-face appointments) and mental health of medical students. The Mario Pinotti II (MPII) study is a 24-week observational study that conducted scheduled telephone calls every 2 weeks to verify the occurrence of COVID-19 in patients with rheumatic diseases on chronic hydroxychloroquine therapy (from March 29, 2020, to September 30, 2020). The effects of voluntarily participating in a research project (ie, one that involves interactions via telephone contact with patients, professors, rheumatologists, and colleagues) on the daily lives and mental health of medical students requires evaluation.ObjectiveAs medical students are professionals in training and have a high level of responsibility in terms of handling the emotional and physical aspects of several diseases, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and participation in the MPII study on the educational routines and mental health of medical students.MethodsA web-based survey was carried out to perform a cross-sectional comparative assessment of medical students who participated in the MPII study and their colleagues who were not involved in the MPII study. Participants from both groups were matched based on sex, age, and medical school. The web questionnaire was developed by a panel composed of graduate medical students, rheumatologists, medical school professors, and a psychology professor. The questionnaire included details on demographic and life habits data and evaluated participants' impressions of the MPII study and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their educational routines and medical training. In addition, depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated using the Brazilian version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)-21, and currently, the DASS-21 scores are grouped as those that indicate a low, moderate, or high risk of mental distress. This project was approved by the Federal University of São Paulo Ethics Committee (CAAE: 34034620.0.0000.5505).ResultsData were collected from both medical student groups from July 20 to August 31, 2020. Data extraction was completed in September 2020. The data analysis is ongoing. We expect the results to be published in the first semester of 2021.ConclusionsThis study will provide insight into the effects of participating in a research project on depression, anxiety, and stress, which will be determined by applying the DASS-21 to a large sample of Brazilian undergraduate medical students. We will also evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students’ educational routines and medical training.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/24617

Training during a pandemic

As scientists and physicians, we all went through a period of structured training. But for how many of us did a rapid-onset, global pandemic upend that training? Here we present 11 voices from current trainees, including medical students, graduate students, residents, and fellows, who reflect on how the pandemic altered their research, practice, and learning and, in the process, changed them.

In Reply to Bowe et al.

We thank Bowe and colleagues for their comments regarding our article on a framework for inclusive graduate medical education (GME) recruitment strategies. The authors acknowledge there is evidence that non-White race is an independent predictor of lower likelihood for interview selection and matriculation in surgery residency, 1 which substantiates the concerns for bias in selection and matriculation we highlighted in our article. In addition, Bowe and colleagues raise concerns about the need for data to support initiatives to diversify training programs. We agree that data are an important driver of change and that changes to recruitment strategies are necessary nationwide to improve workforce diversity and inclusion. Our article was meant to provide a framework for inclusive recruitment strategies for individual GME programs, and in-depth program-level analysis is one way to assess individual programs and institutions for progress and opportunities for improvement. 1 However, Bowe and colleagues highlight that residency programs and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education have difficulty assessing progress in diversifying efforts on a larger scale. Some data exist to aide in specialty-specific analyses via the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). For example, one of us (C.M.O.) coauthored a study using data from the AAMC GME Track survey 2 to investigate race disparities in nephrology fellowship training, highlighting trends in the racial makeup of medical student graduates, internal medicine trainees, and nephrology fellows. 3 However, using only the AAMC and GME track data that are currently available has its limitations, particularly in the applicant-to-matriculant stage, such as “Withdrew” and “No Rank List” categories, from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), as Bowe and colleagues have mentioned. Bowe and colleagues also bring to our attention that the currently available NRMP data show disparities in non-U.S. graduate Match rates. It is plausible that other disparities (e.g., ethnic, gender, and disability) exist in the Match, the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program, and matriculation rates. For instance, some ethnic minority groups are also disproportionately represented in the category of non-U.S. medical school graduates. It is unclear why the NRMP has limited its collection and reporting to “applicant-type.” Collection, analysis, and sharing of NRMP sociodemographic data, such as race, ethnicity, gender, disability, and geographic location, in collaboration with the currently available NRMP, AAMC, and GME Track data, is necessary as it enables programs, institutions, specialties, and organizations, such as the ACGME, to track trends and increase accountability for workforce diversity and inclusion efforts. Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge Dr. James Appiah-Pippim for contributions to their framework and support.

Knowledge about Autism among Graduate Students in Togo.

Graduate students in healthcare or education programs should have adequate knowledge about autism as they could become professionals in that field. However, we were unable to locate any published studies that examined knowledge about autism among graduate students in francophone sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the goal of this study was to describe knowledge about autism among 254 graduate psychology, medical, and education students in Togo. Results suggested that only 5% of graduate students had good knowledge about autism. Although graduate psychology students achieved higher scores than others, all subgroups had inadequate knowledge about specific characteristics of autism. The findings highlight the necessity of passing public policies to promote autism research and training in local universities in Togo.