A plea to fellows
With this, understand that in today’s document driven and litigious world, your procedure log is as vital to endoscopy as the scope itself. Without it, you may not be granted permission to do x, y, or z procedure. Indirectly, it can lead to delays in patient care and may prevent you from performing certain tasks and ultimately lead to repetitive training. Treat it as an official legal document of what you’ve done and what you are capable of doing. Recognize that it will be used by your mentors as supporting evidence regarding your competency for independent practice. Ask your training program to provide a clear list of expectations and requirements for graduation and a method for you to accurately track them, such as the AGA Procedure Log. An online, mobile system will allow you to document cases immediately after you finish while the procedure is fresh in your mind. Taking an extra minute after each case will prevent headaches down the road. The faculty and your cofellows all know of the end of the year “procedure scavenger” (i.e., the fellow who searches for procedures and takes them from others to make sure they meet their numbers for graduation). Please don’t be that person.
A request for program directors
As GI educators, we all know the mention of procedure logs to fellows is typically accompanied by eye rolls. It doesn’t have to be that way. Provide your fellows with clear expectations and a quick, easy, and accurate way to track their accomplishments. Help them recognize the importance of an accurate and complete procedure log. Consider an online tracking system such as the AGA Procedure Log. Studies have demonstrated that a computer-based system increases compliance and accuracy.3 Not providing one will surely lead to difficulties in the long run and is a disservice to those we work to empower, educate, and prepare for success.
References
1. ACGME Program Requirements for Graduate Medical Education in Gastroenterology. Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. 2020 Jul 1. pp 21, 28. Accessed Sept. 13, 2020. https://www.acgme.org/Portals/0/PFAssets/ProgramRequirements/144_Gastroenterology_2020.pdf.
2. Steven J et al. J Grad Med Educat. 2012;4(2):257-60.
3. Rowe BH et al. Can Fam Physician. 1995;41:2113–20.
Dr. Rezaizadeh is an assistant professor of medicine, associate program director, gastroenterology fellowship program, UConn Health, Farmington, Conn.
