Many forms of evaluation are used in assessing progress. These include:
Daily evaluations: these are utilized at many hospitals and enable evaluators to acquire ongoing information about resident performance. They also allow residents to receive feedback daily.
Mid-rotation evaluations: These are composites of performance over a longer period (usually about 3 months). Residents should receive constructive criticism and guidance where appropriate.
End of rotation evaluations: These will summarize performance and progress made after a full rotation.
In-Training Evaluation Reports (ITER)
We now use the POWER, an on-line evaluation system. The ITERs are now in the CanMEDS roles format of the Royal College.
Mid-rotation evaluations will be completed for anesthesia rotations. The three month evaluation should be seen as the time to identify areas which require increased attention in the development of anesthetic skills. Warning of any potential problem areas after three months should give opportunity to work with teaching staff and direct attention to these areas over the ensuing three months.
The Program Director is always happy to discuss an In-Training Evaluation with any resident. If areas of weakness are identified on an ITER, the resident will be invited to discuss the evaluation with the Program Director
ABA/ASA exams: These are in-training exams administered by the American Board of Anesthesiologists. All PG3, PG4 and PG5 residents are expected to write this examination. Residents will be reimbursed for the costs of the examination. PG2 residents are encouraged to write this examination as well. This examination provides residents with an opportunity to compare themselves to their peers both at U of T as well as in the United States.
Departmental oral examinations: These are held in spring adhering to the format used at the Royal College exams. Clinical knowledge and judgment are tested and feedback is provided regarding content and style. All residents are expected to take part in this process.
Anesthesia Knowledge Test (AKT): This is an in-training MCQ examination designed to evaluate knowledge after 6 and 18 months of training and is administered in December to the PG 2 and PG 4 residents respectively.
