Fellowship Program — CanMEDS Objectives

General Endocrinology Objectives

A subspecialty resident in Endocrinology at the University of British Columbia is expected to meet the following objectives as defined by the CanMEDS competencies:

Medical Expert

• Able to complete an appropriate medical history and physical examination of the endocrine/metabolic system, including pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, adrenal, gonadal/ reproductive, lipids, calcium/bone, and adipose tissue/obesity

• Is well versed in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and natural history of disorders of the endocrine/metabolic system

• Able to generate an appropriate differential diagnosis and establish a suitable management plan for patients with disorders of the endocrine/metabolic system

• Is well versed in the performance and interpretation of commonly used functional/dynamic tests of the endocrine/metabolic system including tests of thyroid, pituitary, glucose/insulin, adrenal, gonadal/reproductive, lipids, and calcium/bone

• Understands the principles, performance and limitations of laboratory assays/tests used to assess the endocrine/metabolic system including hormone assays and radiological tests, such as CT scanning, MRI, nuclear medicine scans and bone densitometry

• Understands the indications, performance and pathology of biopsies commonly used in the evaluation of the endocrine/metabolic system such as thyroid or bone biopsies

• Is well versed in the use of drug therapy for disorders of the endocrine/metabolic system including an in-depth understanding of drug indications, efficacies, contraindications, side effects, and costs as well as the ethical standards for their use

• Understands the principles, indications, complications and consequences of surgical therapy for endocrine/metabolic disorders including thyroid, pituitary, adrenal and pancreas

Communicator

• Communicates in a respectful, truthful and empathetic manner with patients and their families

• Demonstrates respect for patient confidentiality, privacy and autonomy

• Communicates effectively with other physicians

• Communicates effectively and respectfully with other health care professionals including nurses, dieticians, physical and occupational therapists, and administrative staff

• Produces written records that are coherent, timely, legible, and problem based

• Advises other physicians and health professionals of his/her activities when it is appropriate

• Answers pages promptly

• Listens effectively to others including patients, families, physicians and other health care professionals

Collaborator

• Understands the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to the management of chronic endocrine/metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, and osteoporosis

• Interacts appropriately with other physicians including primary care physicians, emergency physicians, and other medical specialists

• Works effectively with other health care professionals including Nurses, Dietitians, and Administrative staff

• Acts effectively as a consultant by asking appropriate questions and responding appropriately when questions are asked

Manager

• Understands and is able to describe the role of an endocrinologist within the larger healthcare system

• Uses endocrine/metabolic diagnostic tests in a rational and cost effective way, avoiding unnecessary or duplicate testing

• Manages time effectively, completing assigned tasks proficiently and on time such as ward rounds, dictations, assigned presentations

• Accesses and uses information technology effectively including electronic health records, medical records, and online reference material to answer questions and support clinical care

• Able to act as an effective team leader when appropriate (i.e. when acting as a senior resident or junior attending physician)

• Delegates work effectively to others when appropriate (i.e. when acting as a senior resident or junior attending physician)

• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills, such as within a family meeting or conference or in a multidisciplinary team setting

Health Advocate

• Acts as an advocate for his/her patients

• Understands the principles and importance of lifestyle and preventive measures as they apply to the management of chronic endocrine/ metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, lipid disorders, and osteoporosis

• Promotes lifestyle and preventive measures in the management of chronic endocrine/metabolic disorders such as those listed above

• Recognizes and is able to tailor therapeutic decisions based on the psychological and social factors which impact the development, recognition and management of chronic endocrine/metabolic disorders

• Serves in administrative roles when appropriate (such as Chief Endocrine Resident)

Scholar

• Demonstrates a commitment to personal education including capitalizing on learning opportunities such as attendance and/or participation at rounds/journal clubs, personal learning projects, etc.

• Understands and is able to critically appraise/evaluate the medical literature as it applies to endocrine/metabolic systems

• Integrates new learning into daily practice through critical appraisal of the medical literature

• Uses the best available evidence to help guide clinical practice

• Seeks out new knowledge and information when uncertain about the diagnosis and management of endocrine/metabolic disorders

• Identifies the learning needs of others (patients, students, other health care professionals)

• Applies teaching/education strategies to facilitate the learning of others

• Evaluates and give feedback to others when appropriate

• Participates in the generation and/or dissemination of new knowledge and/or practices within the field of endocrinology/metabolism through research and/or other scholarly inquiry

Professional

• Demonstrates professional behaviors through ethical practice, including honesty, integrity, respect, compassion and altruism

• Recognizes and appropriately manages ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest

• Understands and adheres to recognized standards of patient confidentiality

• Maintains appropriate professional relationships with patients

• Demonstrates accountability to regulating bodies, including academic and professional

• Accepts and utilizes evaluation/feedback and constructive criticism to improve his/her practice

• Balances personal and professional priorities to ensure personal health and sustainable practice