A comparative analysis of graduate preparedness for a career in General Internal Medicine before and after national subspecialty recognition to inform curricular changes: have we met the mark?

Samantha Halman; Allen Tran; Tara O'Brien; Sharon Card

doi:10.36834/cmej.74949

Authors

Samantha Halman University of Ottawa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5474-9696
Allen Tran Dalhousie University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3479-3806
Tara O'Brien University of Toronto
Sharon Card University of Saskatchewan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.74949

Abstract

Background: A survey of General Internal Medicine (GIM) graduates published in 2006 revealed large training gaps that informed the development of the first national GIM objectives of training in 2010. The first recognized GIM certification examination was written by candidates in 2014. The landscape is again changing with the introduction in 2019 of competency-by-design (CBD) to GIM training. This study aims to examine pre-existing and emerging training gaps with standardization of GIM curricula and identify new training needs to inform CBD curricula.

Methods: GIM graduates from all 16 Canadian programs from 2014 -2019 were emailed a survey modeled after the original study published in 2006. Graduates were asked about their preparedness and importance ratings for various elements of practice.

Results: Many of the previously identified gaps (difference between importance and preparedness ratings) have been resolved in specific clinical areas (obstetrical and perioperative medicine) and skills (exercise stress testing) although some still require ongoing work in areas such as substance use disorders. Importantly, gaps still exist in preparedness for some intrinsic roles (e.g. managerial skills).

Conclusions: The development of a national GIM curriculum has helped close some educational gaps but some still exist. Our study provides data needed to meet the evolving needs of our graduates.

Author Biographies

Samantha Halman, University of Ottawa

Assistant professor; Department of Medicine

Research Interests: Feedback effectiveness, assessment and curriculum development

Teaching position: Chief examiner for undergraduate OSCE, lead simulation educator (department of medicine)

Sharon Card, University of Saskatchewan

MD, MSc, FRCPC, Founder General Internal Medicine

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