TSDA Prerequisite Curriculum Committee - Introduction for Authors
Thank you for agreeing to create one of the subsections of the prerequisite curriculum for Thoracic Surgery. This document describes in basic terms the overall scope of the project and long term goals, as well as a complete outline for all of the sections and subsections of the curriculum. It then goes further to include a specific set of guidelines for the development of each section/subsection of the prerequisite curriculum. It is intended to be informative as possible, and yet provide the necessary 'corridors' required to produce this very important educational product. We appreciate your help and expertise.
Prerequisite Curriculum Challenge:
To develop an electronic textbook-like curriculum, replete with clinical examples, which cover many of the basic anatomic, physiologic and technical aspects of Thoracic Surgery. This will parallel the case-based clinical curriculum, but allow for a more classical passage through the curriculum, rather than a case-based one. This will completely complement the clinical aspects of the curriculum.
a. Single/Multiple CD-ROM's (with Internet browser and links)
b. Web site presence (TSDA/CTSNet) for advanced topics, review and critique/compliance monitoring
c. Hard copy guide to the CD-ROM and Web sites
Prerequisite Curriculum Components Description:
1. A series of recorded slide/video lectures by prominent thoracic surgeons on selected topics within the curriculum (approx. 80 will be created to be reviewed over 2 years in total or in part.) An attempt will be made to avoid controversial areas, and to integrate as much basic science and translational, material research as possible.
2. A series of common clinical scenarios will be generated by the editorial board spanning the breadth of Thoracic Surgery, which can be rotated or resequenced from year to year (approx. 12). Each scenario will guide the resident through:
a. Presentation
b. Diagnosis
c. Supportive Examinations
d. Preliminary Procedures
e. Operative Planning
f. Surgical Procedures
g. Preoperative Management
Supportive materials such as related photographs, cardiograms, lab data, video
and audio clips, and other multimedia components will be integrated into each
clinical vignette.
3. A series of useful references to standard textbooks, journals and Web sites will be provided for each of the base topics.
4. A format for frequently asked questions and for individual questions will be made available for each of the base topics.
5. A series of questions in a simple examination type format will follow completion of each of the basic subsection topics. There will be answers and discussion available before and after the resident must commit to an answer. Each of the 12 sections will consist of the following:
Section I: Normal Thoracic Anatomy
1. Chest Wall
2. Mediastinum
3. Tracheobronchial Tree
4. Esophagus
5. Heart & Pericardium
6. Great Vessels
Section II: Normal Thoracic Physiology
1. Adult Cardiac
2. Pediatric Cardiac
3. Esophageal
4. Pulmonary
5. Chest Wall and Diaphragm
Section III: Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Studies
1. Electrocardiography
2. Echocardiography
3. Diagnostic Catheterization
4. Diagnostic Angiography
5. Physiologic Testing
6. Positron Emission Tomography
Section IV: Pediatric Cardiology Diagnosis
1. Electrocardiography
2. Echocardiography
3. Diagnostic Catheterization
4. Diagnostic Angiography
5. Physiologic Testing
Section V: Thoracic Imaging Studies
1. Chest X-rays
2. Computed Tomography (CT)
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
4. Cardiac Nuclear Studies
5. Pulmonary Nuclear Studies
6. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
7. Barium Contrast Imaging
Section VI: Thoracic Functional Studies
1. Pulmonary Spirometry
2. Pulmonary Diffusion
3. Esophageal Manometry
4. Esophageal Reflux Tests
Section VII: Thoracic Anesthesia
1. Monitoring & Anesthesia Techniques
2. Single Lung Isolation Strategies
3. Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia
4. Perioperative Analgesia & Sedation
5. Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography
Section VIII: Thoracic Critical Care
1. Perioperative Arrhythmias
2. Perioperative Low Cardiac Output
3. Perioperative Transfusion Therapy
4. Perioperative Nutrition
5. Ventilator Management
6. Perioperative Pharmacology
Section IX: Fundamentals of Thoracic Endoscopy
1. Laryngoscopy & Intubation
2. Tracheobronchoscopy
3. Esophagoscopy
4. Thoracoscopy
Section X: Surgical Instrumentation & Basic Techniques
1. Patient Positioning
2. Thoracic Incisions
3. Thoracic Drainage
4. Pacers & Defibrillators
5. Thoracic Reoperations
6. Neonatal Surgical Emergencies
Section XI: Cardiopulmonary Bypass Techniques
1.Anticoagulation & Hemostasis
2. Pumps & Oxygenators
3. Myocardial Protection
4. Neurologic Protection
5. Pediatrics & Circulatory Arrest
6. IABP & LVAD Support Devices
Section XII: Research Methodology & Professional Information
1. Critical Literature Review Techniques
2. Literature Search Techniques
3. National Societies & Resources
4. National Meetings & Courses
5. Resident Activities
6. Residency & Board Requirements
7. Internet/Computer Fundamentals
Prerequisite Curriculum Section Development Guidelines
1. 10-20 min. audio/video presentation with slides, illustrations, video, x-rays, angios, etc. presented in the format of an informed lecture (lecture will be taped using a digital mini disc recorder, slides will be scanned by a multimedia production group. Graphic materials (videos, echos, charts, tables, cartoons, etc.) are encouraged to keep the talk interesting and informative. Aim this basic presentation on the specific topic to a first year thoracic surgery resident/ sr. general surgery resident. **Recording tips: It is recommended for recording that authors read the text that corresponds with a particular slide, pause and say, "next slide" and continue through the lecture. If a mistake is made in a sentence, simply repeat the sentence. Edits are made in the audio portion to give the lecture a seamless flow.
2. A 2+ page summary of the highlights of the above presentation in outline or full text format. Include tables, graphs, charts, etc.
3. A list of 5+ key references to the literature (texts and journal articles, especially from Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery).
4. A list of 10+ frequently asked questions (faqs) in brief format with references to source material, slides, illustrations, etc.
5. List of 5 T/F or multiple choice questions and answers with brief summaries of the answer dealing with the most important concepts of the presentation and subject matter - noncontraversial.
6. List of Internet links dealing with subject if known. Provide all text in electronic format - preferably Word, but not essential (PC or Mac). Permissions of all illustrations, photos, etc. must be gotten beforehand.
All text needs to be provided in electronic format on either PC or Mac systems. MS Word is preferred, but not essential. The editorial board will be responsible for digitizing all of the material, and organizing the navigation within each section, and between the sections. You will have significant input into the format and appearance of the final product.
Questions can be directed to webadmin@tsda.org.