Use of Online Resources by OB/GYN Student Interest Group Officers and Advisors [2M]. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnold, Kate; Flint, Caroline J.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 131(2018)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000533058.82341.4d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : INTRODUCTION: OB/GYN medical student interest groups (SIGs) provide the first exposure for students to ACOG and APGO. Both organizations have resources for medical students on their websites, however, we hypothesize that many SIG leaders are unaware of these resources. The objective of our study is to assess SIG leader awareness of and perceived utility of online resources. METHODS: An IRB approved survey of 23 questions was sent to SIG leaders. One reminder was sent, then data collection was closed two weeks later. RESULTS: Online resources were underutilized with 30-40% of respondents being unaware of four out of five websites including the ACOG resident resource page, APGO residency directory, APGO clerkship guide, and the ACOG medical student Facebook page. All respondents had been to the ACOG website, however, only 31% had shared it with their SIG. Of note, 17% of SIG officers were not members of ACOG. Twenty-one percent of respondents were unaware that ACOG meetings often included medical student events. CONCLUSION: Our results show that there is much to be done in terms of disseminating information from our professional organizations to our future leaders. This would serve two purposes: First, it would engage leaders early and help foster their development; Second, it would help ACOG and APGO reach a larger audience. To increase awareness and utilization, we suggest sending SIG leaders, both medical student officers and faculty advisors, a welcome letter that includes a list of the resources in addition to the names of their ACOG fellow and junior fellow representatives for the state.