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Goals and Objectives PGY4

Upon completion of the PGY4 year, NS residents will be expected to meet the following educational goals and objectives:

Patient Care

  • Construct a plan of management for complex neurosurgical problems (i.e.: CSF fistula, epilepsy, low-grade astrocytoma, spinal fractures, etc.)
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the ultrasonic tumor aspirator (CUSA) and frameless stereotactic instrumentation
  • Demonstrate proficiency at hemostasis
  • Perform craniotomies for trauma
  • Demonstrate proficiency in removal of intraaxial neoplasms, and the use of the operating microscope
  • Demonstrate proficiency in cervical discectomy and anterior fusion
  • Demonstrate proficiency in removal of lumbar intervertebral disks
  • Demonstrate proficiency in lumbar & cervical laminectomies

Medical Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a more detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and disease processes than in the PGY 1 to PGY 3 years
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the medical literature
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to pass the American Board of Neurological Surgeons primary examination at the 60% level
  • Develop the capacity and capabilities of critical thinking and integrating scholarly and clinical activities

Practice-based Learning and Improvement

  • Assess patients in consultation and advise about the potential benefits and risks of nonoperative and operative treatment, including follow-up, plan of management

Laboratory Skills

  • Demonstrate the ability to select a topic suitable for research
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the scientific method
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the techniques necessary to evaluate the selected research topic
  • Demonstrate an ability to prepare an abstract, present a paper orally, and prepare a scientific manuscript

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  • Communicate with patients and their families, explaining disease processes and treatment options, including benefits, risks, and possible complications in comprehensible terms
  • Work in a cooperative and sensitive manner with other health care personnel
  • Give and receive advice in an objective, mature manner

Professionalism

  • Understand informed consent
  • Respect patient's right to privacy
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to the sexual, ethnic, cultural and religious characteristics of patient and family
  • Provide supportive and compassionate care to patients and their families in the course of terminal disease
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal aspects of neurosurgery
  • Be honest, reliable, and respectful in working with patients and colleagues