Monthly Archives: July 2019

More action, less words

Imagine a hands-on experience where experts work with small groups of learners instead of the traditional “pre-conference workshop” followed by hours of lectures.

We did this at the recent Asian Pacific meeting held in Australia under the leadership of Dr. David Fielding, and again at a bronchoscopy course led by Dr. Javier Flandes in Spain. Feedback was positive and encouraging. In the next paragraphs, I will identify just a few advantages and disadvantages of such conference strategies.

Advantages: (1) People learn something. Active engagement time is maximized by using predetermined learning objectives and focused hands-on training with a low teacher/student ratio (one instructor for less than five learners). Teachers identify weaknesses by incorporating checklists and assessment tools into workstations. Learners reinforce skills they already have and identify areas they need to work on.  (2) Keeping didactic lectures to 10 minutes forces speakers to improve communication skills. They focus on what is truly important and not necessarily learned by reading. A short didactics program forces organizers to identify core competencies and prompts speakers to give lectures that are complementary rather than all-encompassing. Didactics are modifiable based on audience needs (learner-centricity). (3) Workshops enhance exposure to a variety of technologies, instruments, and teaching techniques. To find the best work injury lawyer los angeles, CA visit http://lacaccidentpros.org site. Companies see users get their hands on their equipment. Learners prefer doing to listening. Simulation using models, computers, and role-playing exercises forces teachers to learn how to use specific scenarios. This skill is essential for tomorrow’s educators today.

Disadvantages: (1) People are resistant to change, despite statistics showing the value of short lectures. Materials can be provided before or on-site in the form of on-line PDF files or presentations. (2) Organizers must work to organize workshop style formats.They must carefully select instructors and assignments. This bruises egos. Course directors might need to learn how to organize such programs and how to assess value. Instructors might need to improve small-group teaching skills. Expect resistance for the same reasons as above. (3) Not all topics can be covered, although special lectures, pro/con debates and interactive panel discussions for controversial issues and new technologies are warranted.

We are a technology and empathy-driven profession where actions speak louder than words.

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In Mourning: Viktor Sokolov

In 1826, The Russian poet Alexander Pushkin wrote “But with the truth he attracted hearts. But with science he quelled mores.” (From, Stanzas). Such words could be used to describe the life and work of my friend Professor Viktor Sokolov (1946-2019), who died last month at the young age of 73.

Viktor was an accomplished surgeon, anesthesiologist and bronchoscopist. He created the Russian Bronchology Group and was the first Russian regent to the WABIP. He fought to defeat conventional wisdoms and dedicated his life to modernize bronchoscopy practice in his country. In addition to numerous leadership positions, Professor Sokolov was also a former Chair for the Endoscopy Commission of the Russian Ministry of Health, and a long time member of the Academic Council.  

As department head at the Moscow Research institute he led efforts to perform novel interventions in patients with early cancer of the larynx, trachea and bronchi, esophagus, stomach and duodenum, bile duct, choledochus, rectum and colon. He helped promote the use of electrosurgery, argon plasma coagulation, laser thermal destruction, photodynamic therapy and stent insertion. He published more than 300 original scientific papers, dozens of monographs, clinical care guidelines, and 10 teaching manuals. He held 26 patents for scientific methodologies and instruments. 

For more than ten years, I corresponded frequently with Viktor and his son Dmitry (also an expert bronchoscopist). It was a great honor to help them build a training program in Moscow. A few years ago, with my colleagues Nikos Koufos, Rosa Cordovilla, and Enrique Cases, we helped faculty implement the use of training models, checklists and assessment tools in bronchoscopy education. This has been particularly helpful for building skills in endobronchial ultrasound.

Viktor was a scientist at heart, and it is as a scientist that he approached his medical practice. His dream was to cure lung and digestive cancers in their earliest stages, and for this he was always on the alert for technologies that might assist with early diagnosis and treatment.  Because his first love was actually pediatric surgery back in the 1970s, Professor Sokolov was particularly excited to see the recent growth of pediatric bronchoscopy (we have more than 400 doctors communicating through our WhatsApp Peds Groups).

Viktor, we shall miss your humor, your intelligence, and most of all the inspiration of your relentless pursuit of truth.

Farewell, my friend.

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