Empirical Research
Resident Block-rotation in Clinical Teaching Improves Student Learning
By Ralitsa B. Akins, MD, PhD, Gilbert A. Handal, MD
Volume 8 - Issue 3
Aug 8, 2010 - 3:31:33 PM

In 2007, a new block-rotation in clinical teaching was implemented for the third-year residents in the pediatric residency program at Texas Tech HSC in El Paso, Texas. We describe the design and implementation of this rotation, as well as its impact on student learning and satisfaction. During 2.5 academic years, the teaching residents supported the experiences in the pediatric clerkship of 129 medical students. Evaluations of teaching residents and clinical teaching rotation, as well as written feedback indicate improved student learning and satisfaction. Our clinical teaching rotation presents a structured approach to “teaching residents to teach” with an ample time for practice of the new skills and discovery of resident own teaching style. We recommend the implementation of teaching block-rotations to augment training experiences and student learning.

Empirical Research
Teaching Cultural Sensitivity to Pediatric Residents
By Ralitsa Akins, Sitratullah Maiyegun, Cecilia Carigma, Marifi Cabaluna, Kristinmae Cardoza, and Gilbert Handal
Volume 7 - Issue 2
Apr 27, 2009 - 3:38:23 PM

Objective: We present our experiences in implementing a cultural sensitivity curriculum in a pediatric residency program located in a predominantly Hispanic US-Mexico border community. In our multicultural environment, cultural sensitivity training is considered crucial in obtaining pertinent postgraduate education and delivering appropriate patient care.
Methodology: We developed cultural sensitivity curriculum and conducted a quality improvement project to improve the environment of patient care as related to cultural sensitivity. We conducted six focus groups about cultural sensitivity (participants n =60). Naturalistic inquiry and qualitative research software The Ethnograph were utilized in data analysis.
Results: The analysis of the focus group interviews showed the need for a formal curriculum in cultural sensitivity to augment the informal training channels. Barriers to and benefits from training in cultural sensitivity were identified and the role of individual beliefs was discussed.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the formal curriculum in cultural sensitivity including interactive didactic sessions throughout the residency training has positively impacted residents’ understanding of the role of cultural diversity in healthcare and has supported an improved healthcare delivery. Residency programs should be encouraged to include formal curricula on cultural sensitivity to create culturally competent learning and practice environments.

Empirical Research
Motivation of Asian Americans to Study Medicine: A Pilot Study
By Ralitsa B. Akins, M.D., Ph.D.
Volume 5 - Issue 1
Feb 14, 2007 - 2:45:23 PM

This preliminary study lays the ground work in defining the possible motivational factors for Asian Americans to study medicine in the United States. The percentage of Asian American students in U.S. medical schools has been consistently higher than the percentage of Asian Americans in the U.S. general population and in undergraduate school programs. Extensive literature review revealed that this phenomenon has not been given the attention it deserves. Through semi-structured interviews, qualitative data were obtained from 10 medical students in a medical school in Texas to guide defining the dimensions of the issue and future research. The results of this pilot study indicated that major motivating factors for Asian Americans to study medicine include family and cultural emphasis on academic success, perception of obligation to respond to family needs and expectations, and desire to establish credentials in the host society via socially respected professional careers. The approach of servant leadership was introduced partially in response to the findings of the pilot study to promote professional values and leadership skills and counterbalance the motivation for money and prestige among medical students. The study findings are important in defining future research, healthcare policy and administrative decision-making in medical schools and healthcare organizations, especially in regard to service to the community.