Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment Methods for Biofilm Growth: A Mini-review.

Biofilms are microbial communities attached to a surface and embedded in an extracellular polymeric substance which provides for the protection, stability and nutrients of the various bacterial species indwelling. These communities can build up in a variety of different environments from industrial equipment to medical devices resulting in damage, loss of productivity and disease. They also have great potential for economic and societal benefits as bioremediation agents and renewable energy sources.

The Nightmares Course: A Longitudinal, Multidisciplinary, Simulation-Based Curriculum to Train and Assess Resident Competence in Resuscitation.

Background: Postgraduate medical education programs would benefit from a robust process for training and assessment of competence in resuscitation early in residency.

Objective: To describe and evaluate the Nightmares Course, a novel, competency-based, transitional curriculum and assessment program in resuscitation medicine at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

Methods: First-year residents participated in the longitudinal Nightmares Course at Queen's University during the 2015-2016 academic year.