Model for Development of Resident Led Specialty Tracks Using Creation of a PM&R Medical Education Track as Case Example

Background and/or Objectives: Specialty tracks are prevalent across medical training programs, yet there is a lack of standardization and limited guidance on their development and implementation. Using the establishment of a Medical Education Track as a model, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a resident-led specialty track and assess physiatry residents' attitudes and perceived expertise in designing and implementing such tracks.

Design: Cross-sectional survey study.

Setting : A large academic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency program.

Participants : Fourteen PM&R residents participated. Residents in training years with only one representative were excluded to maintain anonymity.

Interventions: Not Applicable.

Main Outcome Measures: Resident perceptions of specialty tracks, confidence in developing one independently, and the impact of a structured resource on their ability to create a track. The second outcome was to demonstrate the feasibility of the creation and implementation of a resident-led specialty track.

Results: Among 22 eligible residents, 14 (63.6%) completed the survey. The majority (92.8%) agreed or strongly agreed that access to specialty tracks enhances residency training and influences career choices through early or broad exposure to new topics. However, 71.4% felt unprepared to independently develop a specialty track. Notably, 78.6% reported increased confidence in their ability to create a track when provided with a structured resource outlining necessary steps. Currently, 52.3% of eligible PM&R residents are enrolled in the inaugural Medical Education Track.

Conclusions: Residents recognize specialty tracks as valuable components of residency training but lack confidence in independently establishing them. A structured resource outlining development steps significantly increases their confidence. Lastly, this study demonstrates that a resident, with program support, can successfully design and implement a specialty track.