Proof of Concept: Facilitating Millennials' Engagement and Actionable Education in Dermatopathology Through an International Online Event

Summary: Background: The internet and increased access to digitalization have democratized pathology education online. Although the uniqueness of millennials is well documented, formal residency education has been slow to adapt to their unique learning needs. Millennials are typically tech-savvy, more visual and very collaborative. Universally acknowledged for a short attention span, they thrive on unique experiences and higher levels of anxiety. Optimizing educational frameworks for millennials may serve to increase engagement and improve dermatopathology education worldwide. Design: The International Society of Dermatopathology (ISDP) Dermpath Olympics 2024 was a 3-hour zoom event for dermatology, pathology residents, and fellows. Round 1 was 22 multiple-choice questions on the PollEv app. The top 20 teams advanced to Round 2 Spot diagnosis. Content included inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious entities. Short explanations were provided by board-certified dermatopathologists. We marketed the event utilizing the ISDP members list, the X social media platform, pathology societies, and word of mouth. A short ad campaign featuring a young diverse group of athletes preparing for a lifetime event encouraged dermatology and pathology trainees to participate. QR codes and image-based steps were utilized throughout. A voluntary short survey was distributed via email and X. Attendance was evaluated by unique login and compared to registration for an ISDP Halloween 2023 event. Multiple attendees using the same login couldn't be accurately accounted for Results: Olympic attendees included 175 Olympians and 291 spectators. Out of 72 registered teams, 65 teams, representing 19 countries participated. India, USA, and Brazil had the most teams. Spectators hailed from 34 countries. In total, 150 participants completed the survey, at least in part. At least one member responded (89%) from each team. Responders rated their Round 1 (81%) and Round 2 (79%) experiences as good to excellent. Most participants (95%) thought the event helped their dermatopathology education. Compared to Halloween 2023, trainee participation in the Dermpath Olympics increased from 29 to 284. Logistic regression analysis showed attendees were 14.45 more likely to be trainees at the Olympics (OR 14.45, p<0.001).