Scientific Exhibit Seeks to Identify Generational Gaps

Generational gaps are largely unrecognized and underappreciated areas of disconnect within many professions,” explains Chad A. Krueger, MD, one of the coauthors of Scientific Exhibit SE33, “Generational Perspectives on Current Orthopaedic Challenges: Identifying the Gaps.”

“The divides between generations likely play a role in some of the current problems facing the orthopaedic community,” continues Dr. Krueger. “To stimulate discussion of these challenges, our exhibit includes four scenarios that focus on areas in which generational differences might make a difference in how an orthopaedist approaches a problem or issue.”

The interactive exhibit includes a survey and blogs for each of the scenarios—call coverage, resident attitudes, the 80-hour work week, and new technologies.

For example, the new technologies scenario discusses the differences in approach to evidence-based medicine between a 34-year-old trauma surgeon fresh out of fellowship and a 68-year-old traumatologist who started his career before the younger fellow was even born. Although both respect evidence-based medicine, they have very different approaches to selecting treatments. Survey questions for this scenario focus on the comfort level of various generations in adapting new technology, evidence sources for clinical decisions, and possible reasons that orthopaedic surgeons have not universally adopted evidence-based medicine practices, among other questions.

“The scenarios are meant to be conversation starters,” says Dr. Krueger. “We hope that Annual Meeting attendees will respond to the exhibit, complete the survey, and participate in the dialogue. We hope these discussions can help the various generations gain perspective on the issues, facilitate additional discussion, and eventually find solutions to these problems.”

Scientific Exhibits are on display in Academy Hall B through Friday. Authors have been requested to be present Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to discuss their ideas and presentation.

Dr. Krueger’s coauthor is Daniel J. Stinner, MD. Neither author reports any conflicts of interest.

2013 Annual Meeting News
Tuesday through Friday, February 19 – 23, 2013.
http://www.aaos.org/news/acadnews/2013/AAOS12_3_20.asp