Podcasts

The STFM Podcast

June 2024: Demystifying the Publication Process - Part 1 with Sarina Schrager, MD, MS, and Octavia Amaechi, MD

While publication is heavily entwined with the careers of academic practitioners, taking an idea from inkling to project to publication can be overwhelming for both veterans and newcomers to the process. Family Medicine editors Sarina Schrager, MD, MS, and Octavia Amaechi, MD, are appearing in the first of three episodes dedicated to demystifying the publication process. Part one focuses on tips to consider during the early stages of project planning. Our editors also pull back the curtain on the publication process, giving us a behind the scenes view of what happens after you submit.

Hosted by Saria Saccocio, MD, MHA, FAAFP
Copyright © Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, 2024

Resources

Sarina Schrager, MD, MS: 

Editor in Chief Family Medicine

Sarina Schrager, MD, MS, is a professor in the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (UW DFMCH). She also serves as UW DFMCH’s director of promotions and mentoring and as Wisconsin Research and Education Network’s medical director. Prior to becoming the editor in chief of Family Medicine, she served in the same capacity at Wisconsin Medical Journal, as an editor for FPM, and on the editorial board of the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. Her research expertise is in residency education and faculty development, and her recent work has focused on shared decision-making in cancer screening. She obtained her MD at the University of Illinois, Chicago, her residency training as well as a primary care women’s health fellowship at MacNeal Hospital, and a faculty development fellowship at UW DFMCH.

Octavia Amaechi, MD:

DEIA Editor Family Medicine

Octavia Amaechi, MD, serves as the chief of staff, a hospitalist, and Health Equity Committee chair at the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System and as a faculty physician in the Spartanburg Regional Family Medicine Residency (SRFMR) program. She holds positions as a mentor in STFM’s Leadership Through Scholarship Program, a board member of the Spartanburg County Medical Society, an annual delegate and reference committee chair of the South Carolina Medical Association, and member of the South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness. Her expertise is in diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, patient and community advocacy, inpatient/hospital medicine, and MAT for Opioid Use Disorder. She completed her MD at the University of Health Sciences Antigua, her residency training at SRFMR, and a hospital medicine fellowship at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System.

All Episodes

Ask a Question
AI Chatbot Tips

Tips for Using STFM's AI Assistant

STFM's AI Assistant is designed to help you find information and answers about Family Medicine education. While it's a powerful tool, getting the best results depends on how you phrase your questions. Here's how to make the most of your interactions:

1. Avoid Ambiguous Language

Be Clear and Specific: Use precise terms and avoid vague words like "it" or "that" without clear references.

Example:
Instead of: "Can you help me with that?"
Try: "Can you help me update our Family Medicine clerkship curriculum?"
Why this is important: Ambiguous language can confuse the AI, leading to irrelevant or unclear responses. Clear references help the chatbot understand exactly what you're asking.

2. Use Specific Terms

Identify the Subject Clearly: Clearly state the subject or area you need information about.

Example:
Instead of: "What resources does STFM provide?"
Try: "I'm a new program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship. What STFM resources are available to help me design or update clerkship curricula?"
Why this is better: Providing details about your role ("program coordinator") and your goal ("design or update clerkship curricula") gives the chatbot enough context to offer more targeted information.

3. Don't Assume the AI Knows Everything

Provide Necessary Details:The STFM AI Assistant has been trained on STFM's business and resources. The AI can only use the information you provide or that it has been trained on.

Example:
Instead of: "How can I improve my program?"
Try: "As a program coordinator for a Family Medicine clerkship, what resources does STFM provide to help me improve student engagement and learning outcomes?"
Why this is important: Including relevant details helps the AI understand your specific situation, leading to more accurate and useful responses.

4. Reset if You Change Topics

Clear Chat History When Switching Topics:

If you move to a completely new topic and the chatbot doesn't recognize the change, click the Clear Chat History button and restate your question.
Note: Clearing your chat history removes all previous context from the chatbot's memory.
Why this is important: Resetting ensures the AI does not carry over irrelevant information, which could lead to confusion or inaccurate answers.

5. Provide Enough Context

Include Background Information: The more context you provide, the better the chatbot can understand and respond to your question.

Example:
Instead of: "What are the best practices?"
Try: "In the context of Family Medicine education, what are the best practices for integrating clinical simulations into the curriculum?"
Why this is important: Specific goals, constraints, or preferences allow the AI to tailor its responses to your unique needs.

6. Ask One Question at a Time

Break Down Complex Queries: If you have multiple questions, ask them separately.

Example:
Instead of: "What are the requirements for faculty development, how do I register for conferences, and what grants are available?"
Try: Start with "What are the faculty development requirements for Family Medicine educators?" Then follow up with your other questions after receiving the response.
Why this is important: This approach ensures each question gets full attention and a complete answer.

Examples of Good vs. Bad Prompts

Bad Prompt

"What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's bad: The AI Chat Assistant has no information about your background or needs.

Good Prompt

"I'm the chair of the Department of Family Medicine at a major university, and I plan to retire next year. I'd like to stay involved with Family Medicine education. What type of membership is best for me?"

Why it's good: The AI Chat Assistant knows your role, your future plans, and your interest in staying involved, enabling it to provide more relevant advice.

Double Check Important Information

While the AI Chat Assistant is a helpful tool, it can still produce inaccurate or incomplete responses. Always verify critical information with reliable sources or colleagues before taking action.

Technical Limitations

The Chat Assistant:

  • Cannot access external websites or open links
  • Cannot process or view images
  • Cannot make changes to STFM systems or process transactions
  • Cannot access real-time information (like your STFM Member Profile information)

STFM AI Assistant
Disclaimer: The STFM Assistant can make mistakes. Check important information.