Quite a few things on the radar screen right now, many because they relate to things in-the-works around here.
- Last week I wrote about Daily Goals Sheets in the ICU. This very eloquent mixed-methods study was mentioned there, and is worth mention again.
- This week on the IGSJC we’ve been discussing a terrific study on risk of perforation with appendicitis, particularly as this relates to delay to OR. Another nice appendicitis piece is in JACS this month, examining nonoperative management of appendicitis in the pediatric population. SO many questions remain on this common surgical disease. (And a major shout out to @F_ThurstonDrake, our first resident author to discuss their manuscript in IGSJC. Nicely done, Thurston.)
- American Surgery and the ACA is always a hot topic. If you’re contemplating attending the AWS Fall Conference in San Francisco, we’ll have a special guest from the ACS Division of Advocacy and Policy discussing just this topic as part of the program. I was also gratified for the mention of the ACS Inspiring Quality program since we are having an IQ Forum here in Utah on October 3.
- I spend a fair amount of time contemplating how do we better mentor our trainees into academic careers (since I believe that academic surgery is the coolest job EVER- well, other than being a river guide, I suppose). Academic Medicine has a new publication describing the implementation of a structured resident research program, which is definitely one piece of the puzzle.
- And, ICYMI, there’s the IOM report on GME. Expect a freestanding blog post on this one sometime soon, particularly their recognition that education research is inadequately funded if we want evidence behind what we’re doing for/ to our trainees. I could make many sarcastic comments about this finding, but I’ll instead hold my fingers really, really still.
- Still no new free-reading book recommendation. Last month’s book club selection (The Woman Upstairs) gets two thumbs down from me. Maybe it’s because I’m a happy mid-forties woman who loves her career, but I just didn’t “get” the (bitter and toxic) mid-forties main character.
Happy reading!