Genetics Education: Preparing Physicians for the Future

Hereditary Colorectal Cancer, Primary Care Genetics

This study examines the best way to teach genetics to family medicine residents. First year family medicine residents at the University of Toronto will be taught basic clinical genetics as well as a specific disease in genetics via 3 different educational methods. All participants will undergo an oral examination and written knowledge test 3 months after this education. Results between groups will be compared, and the best way to teach genetics to residents determined.

An educational module will be prepared by the investigators outlining important genetic fundamentals and hereditary colorectal cancer. Sixty four family medicine resident participants will take part in this study. Participants will be divided into 4 groups. Group 1 will be the control and receive no education. Group 2 will be given access to the self-study web-based educational module to do on their own time. Group 3 will be given a lecture on the material using the educational module, followed by a discussion. Group 4 will also be given this lecture and discussion, followed by an interactive standardized patient role-play experience. Three months later, all participants will complete an simulated oral examination, an written knowledge test and an attitude survey. By comparing the results between the 4 groups, the best way to teach genetics will be determined. This template can then be used to develop a curriculum for teaching clinical genetics to family medicine residents.

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