Internal medicine journal club revamped for better learning experience

Haris Manan, M.D., Sakteesh Veerabadhran Gurunathan, M.D., and Chris Bui, M.D., lead discussions at a recent journal club meeting.

Medical journal clubs have been a staple of medical education for quite some time, but recently Sakteesh Veerabadhran Gurunathan, M.D., a hospitalist at USA Health and assistant professor of internal medicine at the Whiddon College of Medicine, revamped the one for internal medicine residents.   

“I envisioned a more interactive format, emphasizing group discussion rather than a traditional lecture-based approach,” he said. “My goal was to ensure every resident actively participates and feels comfortable critically appraising research articles.”  

Sessions feature a faculty moderator and two to three residents who present a chosen paper of interest from medical journals. During the journal club meeting, the moderator facilitates the discussion and assists residents with formulating clinical questions or locating additional resources, if needed.  

All attendees are expected to review the articles in advance to facilitate a thoughtful discussion.  

“In today's era of prolific research publication, it's crucial for residents to develop the critical appraisal skills necessary to determine the clinical relevance and applicability of new findings in their practice," Gurunathan said. “I believe that journal clubs provide an invaluable platform for cultivating these skills, especially considering the demanding nature of residency training and the limited free time available to residents.”  

During the journal club meeting, faculty and resident attendees will provide a thorough critique of the resident’s presentation, assessing the scientific validity of the data and evaluating the robustness of the study's conclusions. Additionally, they will discuss the implications of the findings for clinical practice, considering both individual and departmental impacts. This collaborative discussion aims to enhance the understanding and application of evidence-based practices in patient care.  

“I am extremely encouraged by the enthusiasm and positive feedback I have received from the residents thus far,” Gurunathan said. “I sincerely hope we can continue to foster this valuable learning experience.”  

Haris Manan, M.D., and Chris Bui, M.D., both second-year residents who led a recent discussion, were quick to see the benefits.   

“Presenting at journal club has helped me sharpen my critical appraisal skills and deepen my understanding of current evidence-based practices,” Manan said. “It helps me stay in touch with new research and current management guidelines.”  

Bui agreed: “Journal club is important because it helps us stay up to date with the latest advancements in medicine in order to provide the best care for our patients.”