DR. ROSS RYAN MOQUIN, M.D.

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This study looked at how well pediatric anesthesiology residency programs are using their training curriculum and what makes it easier or harder for residents to engage with it. Researchers found that before they made any changes, many residents didn’t know about the curriculum or didn’t use it often; after implementing improvements like better introductions and easy-to-follow checklists, awareness and engagement increased significantly. This is important because structured curricula can lead to better training and ultimately improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps residency program directors and medical trainees.

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This study looked at how clinician educators, who play a crucial role in teaching within medical schools, evaluate their own teaching skills. It found that out of 484 educators who responded, they felt most confident in their commitment to responsibilities (scoring an average of 4.30 out of 5) and teaching skills (3.96), but least confident in areas like medical education research (3.11). Understanding these strengths and weaknesses is important for improving training programs and support for educators. Who this helps: This helps educators and medical institutions improve teaching quality and development programs.

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This study examined the use and presence of teaching philosophy statements (TPS) in health professions education, which are writings that reflect an educator's teaching beliefs and approaches. Researchers reviewed 14 articles published between 2003 and 2024, finding that while TPS are mainly used in teaching portfolios and for professional development, there is limited evidence on how they directly improve teaching effectiveness or student outcomes. This matters because understanding and effectively using TPS could enhance teaching practices and support educators' professional growth. Who this helps: This helps educators and academic institutions in health professions.

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This study focused on a training program where students from different health professions worked together to create care plans for stroke patients. After participating in 12 sessions over two academic years, 91% of the 736 students reported being satisfied with the experience and showed a stronger appreciation for working in teams. This is important because learning to collaborate effectively boosts the quality of patient care and can lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps students training to become healthcare professionals and ultimately benefits their future patients by improving teamwork in care.

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This study examined how faculty members in an anesthesiology residency program view the roles of mentoring, advising, and coaching in supporting resident education. Out of 93 faculty surveyed, 88% identified mentoring as the most important aspect of resident support, while 78% valued coaching. Findings indicate that while these roles can greatly enhance education and faculty retention, challenges like faculty burnout and time constraints need to be addressed for effective implementation. Who this helps: This benefits anesthesiology residents and their faculty advisors.

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This study looked at anesthesiology education research published in 2021 to understand trends and highlight important findings for educators in the field. Out of over 2,600 articles reviewed, 67 were selected for their quality, with a focus on new methods of teaching and evaluating nontechnical skills, rather than just technical procedures. Notably, the study found increasing attention on gender issues within anesthesiology, which is becoming an important topic. Who this helps: This helps educators in anesthesiology improve their teaching methods and better support diverse students.

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This study looked at a new exam for anesthesia trainees called the Basic Examination, which was introduced as a graduation requirement in 2014. Researchers interviewed 20 training program directors and found that while the exam is thought to help identify which residents may struggle to achieve certification, it also creates stress and distractions for trainees. Importantly, the study revealed that there's not enough evidence to justify dismissing residents based solely on their exam scores, which highlights the need for better evaluation of the exam’s role in training. Who this helps: This helps trainees and program directors in anesthesia training programs.

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This study looked at how anesthesiology residency programs teach diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to their trainees. Researchers surveyed all 164 accredited programs and found that 64.2% had a DEI curriculum, which was mostly implemented in 2020 and typically included just 2 to 3.5 hours of training per year. Many programs, especially those without a DEI curriculum, showed interest in starting this training, highlighting a need for consistent and effective DEI education in the field. Who this helps: This helps anesthesiology trainees, educators, and ultimately patients by promoting better awareness and understanding of diversity issues in medical care.

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This study looked at a new training program for anesthesiology residents focused on developing their skills as medical educators. Over three years, participants in the ACE Track program reported feeling more confident in their teaching abilities and clarity about their careers, with many taking on leadership roles and participating in national education events. This matters because it helps create better educators in healthcare, which can ultimately improve training for future doctors. Who this helps: This helps medical residents and future doctors by enhancing their education and training experience.

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This study explored the growing importance of training for faculty developers in medical education, especially as the field faces rapid changes and increased demands. Researchers collected over 500 responses from over 100 participants at various medical education conferences to identify the key skills and competencies needed for faculty developers. Establishing these competencies is crucial for improving the quality of medical education and ensuring that faculty developers are well-equipped to support medical instructors effectively. Who this helps: This benefits medical educators, faculty developers, and institutions involved in medical training.

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This study looked at research on how anesthesiology is taught in 2020, reviewing nearly 2,500 articles to find the most valuable and innovative ones. They selected 61 articles, including 57 that relied on data and 4 that focused on personal experiences. The findings showed that teaching practical skills is still a key focus, and there’s a growing interest in wellness and technology-supported learning methods. Who this helps: This benefits educators in anesthesiology and medical students training in this field.

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This study looked at changing the way education is delivered in a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship program by using a "flipped classroom" approach, where learners study materials online before class, allowing for more interactive discussions during class time. The results showed that 72.2% of fellows preferred this new method over the traditional lecture format, leading to better engagement and giving them more time for personal activities and research. This matters because it helps improve both education and work-life balance for medical trainees, potentially reducing stress and burnout. Who this helps: Pediatric anesthesiology fellows and their instructors.

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This study looked at whether using image-guided navigation during spinal surgery helps prevent problems with incorrectly placed screws compared to traditional methods. Out of 663 surgeries, the rate of needing revision surgery because of misplaced screws was 2.39% for traditional methods, while it dropped to 1.11% when image-guided techniques were used. Although the difference wasn’t statistically significant, the findings indicate that image-guided navigation may be beneficial for reducing errors in screw placement, which is important for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal surgery.

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Researchers studied a group of compounds called 2-amino-5-(thioaryl)thiazoles to see how they affect a nerve growth factor receptor known as TrkA. They found that one specific compound, called 20h, was extremely effective at blocking TrkA, working at a very low concentration (0.6 nM), and it also slowed down cell growth in tests. This is important because targeting TrkA could help in treating certain conditions like cancer or nerve-related diseases. Who this helps: Patients suffering from cancers or nerve disorders related to TrkA.

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This study looked at whether placing a special filter in the veins of patients at high risk for blood clots helps prevent serious complications during major spine surgery. Among 22 patients who received the filter, none experienced a life-threatening lung clot (pulmonary embolism), compared to 12% of a similar group who did not get the filter. The results show that using this filter can significantly reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism during surgery, making it a safe option for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing major spine surgery who are at high risk for blood clots.

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Researchers studied how to improve the delivery of a poorly absorbed drug by testing new prodrugs in rats. They found that while some of these prodrugs improved drug absorption, they were mostly broken down before getting into the bloodstream. However, when they gave the rats ketoconazole alongside the prodrugs, they saw the absorption of the drug double. Who this helps: This helps patients who need more effective treatments with poorly absorbing medications.

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This study looked at whether certain medications, specifically pentobarbital and lidocaine, could protect the brain from damage caused by high doses of radiation in rats. The researchers found that rats given pentobarbital or lidocaine while exposed to a single large dose of radiation had survival rates of 45% to 69%, compared to just 0% to 20% for those that received no medication or were treated with ketamine. This finding is important because it suggests that using these drugs during radiation treatment may help prevent brain injuries in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, particularly those receiving radiation therapy for brain tumors.