The EPOSSOM group is creating online learning modules, related to the management of surgical malignancies. Working in conjunction eCancer* to produce high quality learning tools for the global surgical trainee community.
This project is entirely trainee led, from project leading, to liaising with our partners. A team of ten trainees, Core trainees paired with Speciality trainees, have designed and developed 5 educational modules on Pancreatic Cancer. These modules incorporate video imagery, graphs, and interviews plus a component of assessment.
Two new sets of modules - Breast and Colon Cancer are being recruited for in Autumn 2014.
Benefits to you as a trainee in getting involved
- Insight and development of your skills, in the process of design and creation of educational material.
- Learn skills in understanding and using evidence based medicine
- Exciting and different way to enhance your CV, the modules will be PubMed citable
- Opportunities for fellowships and professional development courses
- Networking with peers, the deanery and external agencies.
Opportunities to get involved
As the creation process takes about six months, the opportunity to get involved is continuous.
Applicants for the next recruitment process, starts August 2014. Look out for emails from the Deanery.
If you want more information contact katrinabutcher@nhs.net, Severn Surgical Registrar - EPOSSOM project lead or richardbamford@doctors.org.uk
Here is a short video guide to what EPOSSOM modules are all about.
*eCancer
ecancer is the leading oncology channel for the cancer community. ecancer features an open access journal (ecancermedicalscience), video interviews and the latest oncology news and opinion. ecancer is not-for-profit and is supported by the European Institute of Oncology. www.eCancer.org
Introduction and overview of pancreatic cancer
http://ecancer.org/education/module/150-introduction-and-overview-of-pancreatic-cancer/player.php
Investigations including screening controversies
http://ecancer.org/education/module/151-investigations-including-screening-controversies.php
Oncology issues and palliative care
http://ecancer.org/education/module/152-oncology-issues-and-palliative-care.php
Subtypes of malignant pancreatic tumours
http://ecancer.org/education/module/153-subtypes-of-malignant-pancreatic-tumours.php
Surgery for pancreatic cancer
http://ecancer.org/education/module/154-surgery-for-pancreatic-cancer.php
Medical education is evolving, and the days of teaching being didactic are gone. Modern technology enables the learner to access educational material whilst mobile, at any time, and at any location. Distance learning has developed beyond text books and essay reports as a prime method of assessment. The workload on trainees and the impact of the European Working Time Directive means that up-to-date online educational material can be invaluable, and its use has been supported by the Department of Health and the General Medical Council (GMC). This indicates an exciting time for both learners and educators.
Surgical oncology is a fast-developing science, with advances in treatment becoming available almost weekly. Keeping up to date with this bank of best evidence can be time consuming and disjointed, leaving the learner no choice but to visit multiple resources. The availability of multimedia resources that combine the acquisition of evidence-based knowledge with educationally validated teaching methods and assessments are sparse, especially within this field.
The ePOSSOM (ecancer POst graduate school of Surgery Surgical Oncology Modules) project was conceived to address this in an innovative e-learning approach