Creating a local dermatology journal club for PAs and NPs
The pandemic has put much of our personal interactions on hold. When will we comfortably shake hands or hug a friend again? How we work, learn, and play has led to escalating virtual existence, both personally and professionally. Established psychological constructs, such as Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs,” emphasize the importance of social connection—being included in one or more social groups is vital for better human health, happiness, and development!
Having local journal club encounters has given me a higher level of connectedness and support during COVID-19 and has undoubtably benefited my wellbeing during the pandemic. Professionally, regular engagement with colleagues allows me to stay current with the latest evidence-based clinical information by discussing key journal articles, sharing recent surgical or procedural pearls, and/or debating the outcomes of new therapeutic modalities. Furthermore, I have gleaned and implemented suggestions and finer points of practice management; improving both patient and employee satisfaction. As I look back over the last two years, I know that my life has been made better by participating in my journal club.
Prescribe yourself some social connectivity by either joining an established group or starting a new local journal club. Here are several key elements in the process:
· Have a stated purpose. A good initial goal should aim to create a community where everyone feels safe to share thoughts and ask questions. The goal is to incorporate topics that everyone is interested in and will easily spark discussion. Journal clubs should not be a place for complaining about office issues, spreading local gossip, or promoting political ideologies.
· Establish leadership. Have at least one leader take ownership of running, organizing, and facilitating the meetings; but know that organizational involvement of multiple members will increase the longevity and success of the club. Consider giving each member a responsibility and take turns leading.
· Choose articles. As a start, pick two to three papers from peer-reviewed journals and disseminate the articles in advance. Encourage everyone to come, regardless of their level of preparedness. Remember, no one is getting graded! In addition to articles, consider discussing difficult patient cases or inviting a guest speaker to present a new therapeutic and emerging clinical data.
· Make it happen. Generally, if you feed them, they will come! Eating together helps incentivize members to continue to attend. Partner with industry for support and run the club regularly so it becomes a fixture on the calendar. Don’t worry if only a few attend and consider hosting in your office breakroom or over Zoom. Twitter journal clubs are now replacing many in-person clubs and can help engage when in-person meetings are impossible.
The correlation between social connection and optimal health is clear. Committing to or establishing a journal club can foster professional development, improve your overall health, and positively impact patient care? Follow the ancient proverb, “Iron sharpens Iron,” and rub shoulders, break bread, and dialogue with your local clinicians on a regular basis in 2022! In today’s challenging social environment, we can all use a constant dose of encouragement and support!
Keri Holyoak resides in Millcreek, Utah with her husband and three young children. Together they explore the roads less traveled throughout the West. Since 2005 she has worked with Dr. Joseph Jensen at the Dermatology Center of Salt Lake.