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A Virtual Grand Rounds Curriculum Improves Learning Among Residents and Faculty

One of the most powerful events in medical education is the traditional case presentation at Grand Rounds.  It is the opportunity for physicians to present challenging clinical cases to their colleagues, to deliver the history and physical, and to defend and discuss the management of that case.  During the course of the presentation, something amazing happens: everyone learns from each other.  The collective input from residents, faculty, and other attending staff help work through the complexities of an otherwise difficult to manage case.  Everyone in the room gains valuable insight regarding how to approach a complicated case, such as the one discussed.

So why is such an invaluable learning experience not taking place throughout all physician training programs, in every hospital, and at all practices across the country?  The reasons vary, but ultimately, it is a function of lack of time and too few resources.  The end result is that more and more physicians are missing out on Grand Rounds and other similar learning opportunities.

Like many Residency training programs, one program from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine has found it difficult to gather all of the residents and faculty together at any one time.  Restrictions on work hours, multiple clinic rotations, and a number of other limiting factors contribute to this.  Recently, Bret Ripley D.O., the Associate Director at VCU's Shenandoah Valley Family Practice Residency Program in Front Royal, Virginia, took the initiative to find a solution. 

As an active member of the Ozmosis physician community, Dr. Riply saw the opportunity to use Ozmosis as a virtual platform to help educate his residents.  As a part of his Faculty Development Fellowship at UNC Chapel Hill, NC, he developed a curriculum component that utilizes Ozmosis to help connect residents with faculty and other physicians from across the country.  

The initial test case was presented earlier this year on Ozmosis and began with the pertinant history and physical.  Residents and other participating physicians were able to ask questions regarding the findings.  Dr. Ripley then posted additional labs and key images such as xrays and an EKG (in accordance with HIPAA guidelines).  Participants were able to exchange ideas while at different clinical sites, on call, or at home and were immediately notified when colleagues responded or updates occurred.  As discussions continued and more questions arose, the case became more and more engaging.  After answering questions as they were posed and presenting the final case findings, Dr. Ripley said, "It was great to see the residents thinking about unusual cases and get their feedback, but I think what is really interesting is the ability to get input from a wide variety of physicians practicing all over the country.  It is a perspective that residents often don't get in their training."

To learn more and download the curriculum by Dr. Ripley, join Ozmosis and the Virtual Grand Rounds Curriculum Development Group.  (registration requires verification of US licensure and identity)  

Jason Bhan, MD Co-Founder, Ozmosis