By Matthew Brett
Knowing that learners are more likely to retain knowledge when they experience it in applied settings, pediatrician and Centre for Medical Education core member Dr. Robert Sternszus worked with a team to design and implement a novel program to teach residents about role modeling.
This work was recognized at the 2018 International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) as the top “What Works” presentation this October in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
“This award has provided a platform for me to convert this work into a shareable module that will be supported by the Royal College,” Dr. Sternszus said. “This will allow programs across the country to use our materials to help their residents be more aware and deliberate role models. Since beginning to work on resident role modeling in 2010, this was always the ultimate goal. It is extremely humbling and rewarding to have been able to achieve it.”
The Director of the Pediatrics Residency Training Program, Dr. Sternszus and his team used Bandura’s Social Learning Theory to develop experiential approaches to learning that included a flipped classroom and simulation.
This program was implemented and evaluated at three universities with 30 participants involved, with results showing that the program is effective in helping residents role model in a more aware and deliberate fashion.
The content focused on helping residents develop an awareness of their importance as role models, and applied strategies for deliberate role modeling. Approaches included large group reflections, along with simulations in different role modeling scenarios.
After the program, residents reported sustained improvements in understanding the importance of role modeling, and in using strategies for effective role modeling.
- Teaching role modeling to residents should be an essential component of resident-as-teacher curricula
- Residents should learn about their importance as role models & how to role model in a deliberate fashion
- Residents should learn about role modeling using experiential approaches to education
Sternszus worked with a team from Dalhousie University, the University of Ottawa, and McGill Centre for Medical Education scholars including Dr. Sero Andonian, Dr. Farhan Bhanji, Dr. Linda Snell, and the Centre’s Director Dr. Yvonne Steinert.
Organized by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the ICRE is an annual conference bringing together over 1,600 clinical educators and physicians from around the world. The 2019 ICRE conference will take place Sept. 26-28 in Ottawa.
December 6, 2018