Curriculum Innovations: Virtual Didactics as a Tool for Harmonizing Education About Rare Topics in Neuroimmunology

Abstract

Introduction and Problem StatementNeuroimmunology is a rapidly evolving subspecialty. At this time, fellowship training is not standardized. Discrepancies exist in fellowship programs across the United States, including in faculty expertise in rarer neuroimmunologic conditions. Many graduating fellows feel uncomfortable managing the full spectrum of diseases within neuroimmunology.ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a series of live, virtual, interinstitutional seminars educating neuroimmunology fellows on topics that may be infrequently encountered by trainees.Methods and Curriculum DescriptionA steering committee of 6 neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis fellowship program directors selected 18 topics felt to be high yield but representing unique areas of expertise. A live, interactive seminar series was organized. Recognized experts on each topic led seminars using a teleconferencing platform over the 2020–2021 academic year. Recordings were subsequently made available for asynchronous learning. Trainees were surveyed before and after the seminar series and comfort levels with each topic were recorded.Results and Assessment DataAn average of 41 trainees participated in each live seminar and an additional average of 17 trainees viewed each seminar on demand. Trainee comfort levels with each topic increased after the seminar series was completed. An average of 72% of trainees self-identified as at least “comfortable” with each topic after the series compared with 26% beforehand (p< 0.0001).Discussion and Lessons LearnedA year-long series of live, interactive, interinstitutional seminars focusing on unique topics within a single subspecialty represents an effective way to increase trainee comfort levels with such topics.

Current state of headache training within Canadian Neurology Residency program: a national survey

“…No studies are available to our knowledge to explore the impact of this program, but it provides a model that could be adapted for the Canadian context. A similar approach with favorable outcomes has been used to teach neuroimmunology, which seems to be facing the similar challenges as HM [ 28 ].…”

Feasibility and utilization of a national virtual EEG course for Canadian residents and fellows

“…In addition, the synchronous format of this program encouraged engagement among trainees and experts promoting networking and collaboration with colleagues across the country. 9 Another objective of the course was to assist trainees in their preparation for the CSCN EEG examination. This article aims to illustrate the feasibility of implementing a national virtual EEG teaching program and to demonstrate the demand for high quality EEG education that is accessible and at a reasonable cost for neurology residents and fellows.…”

“…The benefits of learning on national scale include the standardization of teaching about rare and unique topics, which are only encountered sporadically during training, to develop expertise in these areas. In addition, the synchronous format of this program encouraged engagement among trainees and experts promoting networking and collaboration with colleagues across the country 9 . Another objective of the course was to assist trainees in their preparation for the CSCN EEG examination.…”

The First Issue

“…Program directors struggle to deliver comprehensive didactics or create networking for 1 or 2 fellows. The second article in this issue, by Peters et al, 2 describes the implementation of an interinstitutional online seminar series in neuroimmunology. The program brought together fellows from across the nation to learn neuroimmunology.…”