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Abstract
Background: The Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Toronto implemented a pilot residency training program that used a competency-based framework in July of 2009. The competency-based curriculum (CBC) deployed an innovative, modularized approach that dramatically intensified both the structured learning elements and the assessment processes.
Methods: This paper discusses the initial curriculum design of the CBC pilot program; the refinement of the curriculum using curriculum mapping that allowed for efficiencies in educational delivery; details of evaluating resident competence; feedback from external reviews by accrediting bodies; and trainee and program outcomes for the first eight years of the program’s implementation.
Results: Feedback from the residents, the faculty, and the postgraduate residency training accreditation bodies on the CBC has been positive and suggests that the essential framework of the program may provide a valuable tool to other programs that are contemplating embarking on transition to competency-based education.
Conclusions: While the goal of the program was not to shorten training per se, efficiencies gained through a modular, competency-based program have resulted in shortened time to completion of residency training for some learners.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank Connie Johnston and Dr. Dan Stojimirovic for their administrative assistance in the CBC program. The CBC planning committee includes: Drs. Oleg Safir, Ranil Sonnadara, John Murnaghan, Darrell Ogilvie-Harris, John Theodoropoulos, Jeremy Hall, Khalid Syed, Andrew Howard, Michael Ford, Timothy Daniels, Timothy Dwyer, Christian Veillette, Veronica Wadey, Unni Narayanan, Albert Yee, and Cari Whyne.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.
Notes on contributors
Dr. Nousiainen, MS, MEd, MD, FRCSC, is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the residency training program, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Polina Mironova, MS, is the assistant program administrator in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Ms. Hynes, MA, PhD(c), is a research officer at PostMD Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Dr. Glover Takahashi, MA (Ed), PhD, is Director of Education, Integration and Research, PostMD Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Dr. Reznick, MD, FRCSC, is Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University and CEO of Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Organization.
Dr. Kraemer, MD, FRCSC, is an Assistant Professor, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.
Dr. Alman, MD, FRCSC, is Professor and Chair, Department of Orthopaedics, Duke University and Adjunct Scientist with the Sick Kids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON.
Dr. Ferguson, MS, MD, FRCSC, is an Associate Professor and Albert and Temmy Latner Chair, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto.