Monthly Archives: December 2017

The Value of a Transformational Gift

Composite photo of airway models (H. Colt)

As 2017 nears its end, it is traditional to look back and examine both the good and the bad, the obstacles overcome and the challenges ahead. For this there is little more important than the value of a transformational gift. Whether the gift is a gift of time, energy, dedication, money, materials, ideas, or inspiration, a truly transformational gift changes the horizon. A transformational gift is a “game-changer,” and it is the catalyst responsible for new actions, new developments, and new achievements.

Patients with airway and lung disease often have a blockage of their air passages that prevents air from entering the lungs. They become short of breath, may require a breathing machine, or may even die from suffocation and the effects of their disease. By educating airway and lung specialists around the world, my goals are to eliminate patient suffering and improve the quality of care provided by medical professionals regardless of where they practice. This goal can only be accomplished thanks to an incredible group of individuals who, they themselves, are a transformational gift. Through the dedication and hard work of several international and regional leaders, for example; leaders who gift unselfishly of their time and energy, the World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology has grown to almost 8000 members. This is quite an accomplishment for a small organization that once had the reputation of being an “old boys club.” The WABIP now includes member societies from more than sixty different countries. Its special sections (Pediatrics, and Rare lung/airway/pleural disorders) have each more than 200 members, and thanks to an international group of enthusiastic “admins,” our WhatsApp groups already encompass thirty countries and almost 2000 participants.

Thanks to our use of transformational communication and networking technologies such as WhatsApp and Facebook, we see for the first time ever, airway specialists, pediatric pulmonologists, and thoracic surgeons discussing cases in real time, sharing videos, photos, and case histories to solve clinical dilemmas. Consequently, they provide more effective, more knowledgeable, more scientifically-based, and more competent care to their patients. None of this would have been possible without the transformational gift of technical innovation: ideas and implementation provided, again, by a handful of insightful and generous individuals.

But let us not forget the end-user…the users of this new and exciting global network of airway specialists. Also, the more than forty certified and master trainers for Bronchoscopy International™, of course, and the more than 200 physicians who have attended our Train-the-Trainer programs, and all those who readily contribute their knowledge and expertise, as well as those who present cases and question diagnostic or therapeutic alternatives. They must also be given their due credit, for they too are agents of change.

Thanks to these agents of change, we are implementing a new educational paradigm that crosses international time zones. This new educational paradigm is one without borders or egos, without selfishness or individual profit. It is a paradigm based on competency-oriented learning materials that are provided using a multidimensional, learner-centric educational model hosted on readunwritten.com/ site. It is a paradigm where teachers are sensitive to cultural differences, yet eager to move toward a more globally standardized process that prevents a patient from suffering from the inequalities of training under a now antiquated apprenticeship model. It is a paradigm that encourages practicing on models rather than on patients…

And so, it is that models can also be a transformational gift. Bronchoscopy International (www.bronchoscopy.org) works diligently to find sources for realistic airway models as well as funds to purchase enough models so that every bronchoscopy association can train its members via simulation. In this Colt’s Corner, I am reaching out, therefore, to philanthropists, airway specialists with some money to spare, technology and communication companies, generous individuals, bronchology and respiratory societies, airway model makers, and the bronchoscopy/pharmaceutical industry to join me by contributing in any way they can to this endeavor.

As I wrote earlier in this essay, whether it is a gift of time, energy, dedication, money, materials, ideas, or inspiration, a truly transformational gift changes the horizon. Please become a game-changer…and enjoy these holidays knowing you make a difference not only for your family, friends, and colleagues, but also for those caring for patients in far-off places.

Unveiling the Different Styles of Boudoir Photography: Classic, Glamour, and Artistic

Boudoir photography empowers women and celebrates their beauty with elegant and sensual portraits. The genre lies between fashion and fine art photography; it aims to capture the beauty, grace, and confidence of a woman beyond the surface level. As a popular trend, boudoir photography has a myriad of styles suited to different tastes. In this post, we will explore the three most prominent styles of boudoir photography: classic, glamor, and artistic.

Classic Style

The classic style of boudoir photography is, well, classic. It is timeless, elegant, and appeals to women who want to showcase their beauty and grace with a modest and conservative approach. The classic style aims to highlight the curves and femininity by using natural light and soft tones. It is ideal for women who want to capture the essence of their personality without going over the top.

When you book a classic boudoir photography session, the photographer will recommend that you wear elegant lingerie, soft makeup, and keep your hairstyle classic with soft waves or curls. The photos are often shot in a simple setting like a bedroom, on a bed or sofa, or standing against a plain backdrop.

Glamour Style

Glamour style is for women who want the spotlight. It is lush, luxurious, and adds a bit of extravaganza to boudoir photography. The glamor style aims to highlight all of your feminine features with dramatic makeup and lighting. It is ideal for women who want to experiment with different outfits, heels, and accessories.

When you book a glamor boudoir photography session, the photographer will recommend that you wear sparkling jewelry, bold makeup, and sky-high heels. The photos are often shot in luxurious settings like a fancy hotel room, an elegant mansion, or a luxury studio. The glamor style is all about channeling your inner goddess and bringing out your sultry and seductive side.

Artistic Style

The artistic style of boudoir photography is a unique and modern take. It is for women who want to push the boundaries of traditional boudoir photography by adding a bit of edge and fantasy. The artistic style aims to capture the artistry behind the beauty of a woman and to enable her experience an intimate boudoir shoot. It is ideal for women who want to embrace their femininity, sexuality, and creativity.

When you book an artistic boudoir photography session, the photographer will recommend that you wear unique and creative outfits, daring makeup, and embrace your body as a canvas. The photos are often shot in unusual settings like abandoned buildings, architectural wonders, or in nature among waterfalls, mountains, and greenery. The artistic style will help you unveil your inner muse and explore your creativity without any limits.

Boudoir photography is a beautiful and empowering way to celebrate your beauty and femininity. Whether you prefer a classic, glamor, or artistic style, there is a type of boudoir photography suited to you. When choosing the best style for you, consider your personality, the style of your wardrobe, and the location of the shoot. A reputable and experienced boudoir photographer can help you create stunning portraits and celebrate your beauty in a unique and unforgettable way.

Adult Motivations for High-Scoring Learning Assessments

Skills testing and adult motivation

Learning assessments are an important and integral part of competency-oriented training programs such as those advocated by Bronchoscopy International (BI) and The World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (WABIP). Assessment tools such as the BSTAT, EBUS-STAT, BSTAT-TBNA/TBLB and USG-STAT are already being used in training programs around the world to help measure progress along the learning curve, identify a learner’s strengths and weaknesses, and to objectively document technical skill as part of competency deliberations.

Contrary to high-stakes testing, where failing an assessment can have consequences on licensure or professional advancement, low-stakes assessments such as the STAT set serve a different purpose. Individual performance on these assessments, therefore, derives from different motivations; motivations all the more complicated because we are working with adult learners who suffer little or no adverse consequences if they perform poorly. In the next couple of paragraphs, I will discuss some of the challenges educators face while motivating adult learners, and why practice, such as that provided through our Train-the-Trainer programs, can helps teachers use assessment tools both efficiently and more effectively.

Students vary in the degree of effort they commit to taking a “test” without negative consequences. Some give it their best, in part because they sense this is their responsibility in becoming good doctors. Others might give less than their best, either because they resent test taking, do not believe in the usefulness of the assessment, do not believe the assessment tool accurately measures the skill being tested, or are unwilling to devote the time necessary to take the test correctly.

One-on-one time with a teacher is a unique opportunity to address these issues and remedy technical insufficiencies. Skills assessments also help positively reinforce good performance, providing encouragement and confidence. These elements are crucial to the
learner-centric educational model of our Train-the-Trainer and Introduction to Bronchoscopy courses.

Several studies demonstrate that as test-taking motivation decreases, so does test score validity. Trainers are challenged to encourage their students to try their best on any assessment, and several strategies might be used by program coordinators or department chairs to accomplish this task. One strategy is to incorporate an assessment tool such as the BSTAT (Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool) into a high-stakes competency assessment performed in both patients and models as part of the technical skill component of bronchoscopy training and even eventual certification in pulmonary and critical care medicine. By raising the stakes of testing, students will do their best with periodic assessment, which serve as practice and realistic measures of technical skill during training. Another strategy is to provide students with incentives to make their best effort. While financial rewards are unrealistic, creating a game-like situation where assessments are “fun, challenging, and collaborative” can change the testing dynamic in a positive way. A third strategy is to make the assessments more intrinsically motivating. This is done by teachers who are able to identify a “teaching moment” during each and every assessment, always finding at least one element that can be improved upon to make the student a better bronchoscopist. Providing feedback about test scores and itemized performance is a crucial element of learnercentric education, and must be done in a way that is interpretable and usable by the student. During our Train-the-Trainer programs, therefore, trainers work as students themselves, and practice different ways to provide feedback and encourage dialogue with learners.

The goal of this Colt’s Corner was to shed some light on adult motivation when it comes to the use of assessment tools in workshops and as part of competency-oriented training programs. These low-stakes assessments provide scores that are valid and beneficial, as long as trainers recognize the need for student motivation and the strategies that might be used to encourage productive trainer-learner dialogue.