Journal Club for the Practicing OEM Physician

TRACK: OEM Education and Scientific Research

Ronda Brewer McCarthy, MD, MPH, FACOEM, City of Waco Employee Health Services, Waco, TX
Judith Green McKenzie, MD, MPH, FACP, FACPM, FACOEM, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

The purpose of this experiential learning session is to provide a forum where practicing OEM physicians and residents can participate in a guided critical appraisal of the OEM scientific literature. Assessing and integrating new scientific information into professional practice is an essential skill for physicians toward enhancing their medical knowledge and continuously improving professional practice. This session, using a journal club format, will allow physicians an opportunity to learn how, or refresh their ability to, critically appraise scientific evidence and discuss with their peers how it translates into professional practice. After a brief overview, a template will be provided and attendees will be guided through the structured steps, by experienced faculty using a round table discussion format. A current high impact article will be reviewed. The salient elements to be examined are study hypothesis, study design, selection of the study population, data collection methods, statistical analysis, the role of chance, bias and confounding on internal validity, external validity and context. Both article and template will be provided prior to the conference as well and paper copies distributed at the session. This session may be of particular interest to residents and recent graduates.