Parvathy Pillai, Wajiha Akhtar, Stephen Bagwell, Laura E Birkeland, James H Conway, Amanda DeVoss, Maureen S Durkin, Maureen S Evensen, Kjersti Knox, Thomas Hahn, Jeff Hartman, Joel Hill, Joseph P Holt, Kenneth MacMillan, Roberta Rusch, Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, Christine Seibert, Ajay K Sethi, Shelly F Shaw, Sweta Shrestha, Jennifer Timm, Susan Wenker, Elizabeth M Petty, Patrick L Remington, Jonathan L Temte
{"title":"Integrating Medicine and Public Health Through Health Professions Education at a School of Medicine and Public Health.","authors":"Parvathy Pillai, Wajiha Akhtar, Stephen Bagwell, Laura E Birkeland, James H Conway, Amanda DeVoss, Maureen S Durkin, Maureen S Evensen, Kjersti Knox, Thomas Hahn, Jeff Hartman, Joel Hill, Joseph P Holt, Kenneth MacMillan, Roberta Rusch, Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar, Christine Seibert, Ajay K Sethi, Shelly F Shaw, Sweta Shrestha, Jennifer Timm, Susan Wenker, Elizabeth M Petty, Patrick L Remington, Jonathan L Temte","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"105-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multidisciplinary Bedside Huddles Reduce Readmissions in High-Risk Patients.","authors":"Lara Voigt, Brian Hilgeman, Ankur Segon","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Readmission rates have a significant impact on hospital systems, from financial performance to patient satisfaction. Determining efficient, effective interventions to reduce readmission rates is imperative to improving hospital and patient outcomes.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To develop and evaluate a multidisciplinary discharge process for high-risk patients that is cost-effective, achieves high uptake in a large academic health center, and decreases readmissions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multiphase intervention was implemented at a large academic hospital. The Phase 1 pilot, performed on a single inpatient unit, implemented a multidisciplinary bedside huddle 24 to 48 hours prior to discharge for patients at high risk for readmission based on a previously validated risk score.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Phase 1 showed a reduction in readmission rates for high-risk patients from 36% (pre-intervention) to 20% (post-intervention). In Phase 2, the huddle was expanded to 2 units: 1 \"opt-in\" and 1 \"opt-out.\" Huddle uptake was higher on the opt-out unit (89% vs 4%) and associated with lower readmission rates for patients receiving huddles (20.9% vs 40%) and for those on the opt-out unit (28.3% vs 38.7%). In Phase 3, the huddle was expanded to all units and showed a sustained lower readmission rate for those receiving a predischarge huddle than those who did not (26.13% vs 33.78%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>For patients at high risk of readmission, a predischarge multidisciplinary bedside huddle utilizing an opt-out implementation model reduces readmissions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 2","pages":"251-256"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148207370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the Construct Validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in Measuring Severity of Major Depressive Disorder.","authors":"Himanshu Agrawal, Timothy McAuliffe, Alexandra Johnson, Quamaine Bond, Leah Flanagan, Rita Sieracki","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Developed by Spitzer et al in 1999, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a 9-item, self-administered instrument used to screen for depression. This screening tool has been validated by more than 25 studies. However, although the PHQ-9 asks respondents to rate the frequency of symptoms, most validation studies focus on symptom severity. The objective of this study was to assess the construct validity of PHQ-9 for detecting the severity of depression, as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In part 1 of this study, 1408 outpatients across 14 family practice clinics were asked whether they scored the PHQ-9 based on symptom frequency, symptom severity, or a combination of both. In part 2, 87 mental health clinicians were asked how they typically interpret PHQ-9 scores.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 87 clinician responses, 79.3%, reported interpreting PHQ-9 scores based on severity of depressive symptoms, 4.6% based on frequency, and 16.1% based on a combination of severity and frequency. In striking contrast, among the 1408 patient responses, only 10.7% reported completing it based solely on severity, and 28.6% reported completing it based on frequency alone. An additional 60.7% reported completing the PHQ-9 based on a combination of frequency and severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of this study indicate that the language used in the PHQ-9 may be interpreted differently by patients and clinicians. These differences may lead to conflation of symptom frequency and severity, resulting in misinterpretation of the PHQ-9 scores. The authors recommend revisions to the language of this screening tool to determine whether such changes improve alignment between patient responses and clinician interpretation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 2","pages":"268-272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148207251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Living Through the Scientific Revolution From Droplet to Aerosol Transmission of a Coronavirus.","authors":"Joseph M Bettag, Marvin J Bittner","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 2","pages":"239-240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148207292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Integrating Behavioral Health Into Cancer Education: Learner Perspectives From a Cancer Education Pathway Program.","authors":"Nadia Tabit, Zynab Adewusi, Kristina Kaljo, Kristin Dowe, Abbey Kruper","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Comprehensive cancer care requires providers to address significant psychological and social challenges, yet behavioral health is often underemphasized in early medical education. The Student-centered Pipeline to Advance Research in Cancer Careers (SPARCC) program provided a setting to enhance learners' understanding of the psychosocial aspects of cancer by integrating behavioral health-focused sessions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluated 2 behavioral health sessions implemented as part of the SPARCC curriculum: one addressing the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis and the other exploring the intersection of cancer and fertility. Learners completed session-specific workshop evaluations and pre- and post-program surveys assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t tests, and qualitative responses were thematically examined to explore learner perceptions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 2019 through 2023, 71 learners participated in the program, the majority identifying as members of groups underrepresented in medicine. Session evaluations (N = 111) showed consistently high ratings across all categories, with mean scores above 4.25 on a 5-point Likert scale and average overall session ratings above 9.0 on a 10-point scale. Thematic analysis highlighted the value of patient narratives, informal discussion formats, and attention to often-overlooked topics such as infertility and financial burden. Significant improvements were observed in learners' knowledge of cancer diagnosis and treatment and awareness of medical mistrust in underserved populations (P <.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High learner satisfaction, improved understanding of psychosocial aspects of care, and increased awareness of health disparities suggest that integrating behavioral health and patient perspectives into early cancer education can meaningfully support learner development.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"36-41"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Monet Lane, Morgan Briggs, Christine Pando, Susan Duyar-Ayerdi, Kristina Kaljo, Kathryn Dielentheis
{"title":"Perspectives of OB-GYN Residents and Faculty on Resident Simulation Curricula: A Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Monet Lane, Morgan Briggs, Christine Pando, Susan Duyar-Ayerdi, Kristina Kaljo, Kathryn Dielentheis","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Simulation training facilitates skill development in low-risk environments and is increasingly widespread in residency programs. Recent simulation models have been developed for obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN). Simulation curricula can include a wide range of training methods. To optimize the effectiveness and acceptability of simulation curriculum, key stakeholders' (ie, residents and faculty) perspectives should be obtained before implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study used convergent-parallel mixed methods. Electronic surveys were completed by 19 of 32 OB-GYN residents (59%) and 18 of 53 OB-GYN faculty (34%). Two focus groups were conducted, one with residents (n = 12/32, 38%) and one with faculty (n = 6/53, 11%). Focus group transcripts were inductively coded independently and then collaboratively by 3 coders. Codes were categorically analyzed to elicit themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Focus group themes included (1) important simulation topics and content, (2) optimal timing of simulation activities, (3) ideal simulation curriculum structure, (4) barriers to education, (5) factors that shape participants' perspectives, and (6) using simulation to improve resident education. Survey responses supported these themes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study elucidates resident and faculty perspectives on simulation training. Both groups endorsed key ideas, including the need for a structured and standardized curriculum. Currently, no simulation curriculum standards exist. Findings demonstrate the importance of communication between residents and faculty to create an effective training curriculum that addresses the unique needs and barriers of both trainers and trainees.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"25-31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Empowering Birth Workers to Address Maternal Hypertension: Evaluation of a Community-Based Training in Wisconsin.","authors":"Kristine Alaniz, Kristina Kaljo, Kara Hoppe","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal morbidity, especially among Black, Indigenous, and rural birthing individuals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multidisciplinary team developed and evaluated a community-based training for birth workers to enhance knowledge and response to maternal hypertension.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants reported high satisfaction with the training across multiple domains. Confidence increased across all learning objectives. Follow-up data showed strong intent to apply learning, with most participants planning practice changes. Planners also observed a need to focus on skill-building and inclusion of birth workers in the planning process.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Results suggest that targeted training for birth workers is feasible, impactful, and supports their critical role in addressing hypertensive disorder disparities. Ongoing sessions will integrate skill-building and deeper community engagement.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"225-227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anne Stahr, Sara K Johnson, Aeron Adams, Beth Altschafl, Amanda K DeVoss, Sushant Srinivasan, Jessica Tischendorf, Amy Zelenksi, Art Walaszek
{"title":"Educating Health Science Educators: A Flexible, Asynchronous E-Learning Framework for Interprofessional Development in Teaching.","authors":"Anne Stahr, Sara K Johnson, Aeron Adams, Beth Altschafl, Amanda K DeVoss, Sushant Srinivasan, Jessica Tischendorf, Amy Zelenksi, Art Walaszek","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Health science educators often receive little formal training in teaching methods, which may limit the adoption of evidence-based strategies. Synchronous, less flexible development programs are also difficult for many interprofessional educators to access.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We designed Education Essentials, a modular, asynchronous curriculum to support foundational teaching skill development across health professions. Guided by growth mindset and experiential learning frameworks and informed by our needs assessment, we developed 9 modules aligned with core teaching domains.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>As of April 2025, 185 unique learners had enrolled in at least 1 of the first 6 modules, with 110 modules completed.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This curriculum addresses an institutional need and supports scalable, accessible educator development across clinical, basic science, and interprofessional settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"217-220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Christina Georgeades, Robert Treat, Michael Amendola, Jacob Peschman, Philip Redlich, Michael J Malinowski
{"title":"Assessment of the Educational Value of Mock Oral Competency Exams for Surgical Interns.","authors":"Christina Georgeades, Robert Treat, Michael Amendola, Jacob Peschman, Philip Redlich, Michael J Malinowski","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Limited data exist regarding mock oral competency exams (MOCEs) and their impact on junior surgery residents, who are commonly assessed with written posttest exams. The COVID-19 pandemic also affected surgical education. Therefore, we evaluated interns' perceived impact of MOCEs, including satisfaction compared with written posttest exams and the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From 2017 through 2022, surgery interns participated in MOCEs consisting of two clinical scenarios per intern. Participants completed surveys evaluating the perceived impact of MCOEs using 5-point ordinal scales and yes/no responses. A positive response was defined as good, slightly better, excellent, significantly better, or yes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-nine of 73 interns (80.8%) completed the survey; 54 (91.5%) reported that MOCEs provided an improved review of material compared with written posttest exams. This correlated with average positive ratings indicating MOCEs were a valued educational activity (98.3%), a personal challenge (89.8%), a dynamic quality teaching method (93.2%), beneficial through observation of colleagues' examinations (94.9%), and an improvement in knowledge and application of didactic material (84.7%) (Spearman ρ = 0.44, P < .001). The postpandemic cohort (N = 23) rated MOCEs as more valuable than the prepandemic cohort (n = 36) (mean 4.7 ± 0.4 vs mean 4.3 ± 0.5, P = .004, Cohen d = 0.80).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MOCEs may serve as an effective tool for applying knowledge during the formative years of surgical training. Interns affected by COVID-19 reported higher perceived benefits, potentially reflecting increased importance of competency-based and in-person education. MOCEs warrant further study and may be valuable to incorporate early in residency training.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"19-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694652","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marianna Shershneva, Barbara Anderson, Kimberly Sprecker
{"title":"Curriculum for Planners of Accredited Interprofessional Continuing Education for Health Care Professionals: Results of a Modified Delphi Process.","authors":"Marianna Shershneva, Barbara Anderson, Kimberly Sprecker","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Our academic institution is planning training for accredited interprofessional continuing education professionals. Focused training is essential to ensure planners can effectively design, implement, and evaluate educational activities while meeting accreditation standards.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A modified Delphi process was used to develop the training curriculum. Initial content statements were grouped into 6 areas. In round 1, 15 panelists rated each statement, explained their ratings, and suggested additions. In round 2, 13 panelists rated original and new statements after reviewing aggregated round 1 feedback.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Final mean ratings ranged from 2.7 to 4.8. New statements included both unique contributions and expansions of original content. Of 84 statements rated across both rounds, 58% reached agreement (mean rating ≥ 4.0).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The modified Delphi process was feasible, in both process and results, and can inform development of similar programs in other institutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94268,"journal":{"name":"WMJ : official publication of the State Medical Society of Wisconsin","volume":"125 1","pages":"206-209"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147694712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}