Podcasts: Accessing, Choosing, Creating, and Disseminating Content.

Podcasts are audio files distributed via the Internet to share information asynchronously. Users can subscribe to podcasts (for automatic download), which offer highly customizable learning materials ideal for graduate medical education (GME). Users can now dictate the ‘‘who,’’ ‘‘what,’’ and ‘‘when’’ of their learning experience. Podcasts can vary in length and their episodic release can occur daily to monthly. Podcast use has grown exponentially relative to other asynchronous resources, with learners devoting the most time to podcasts and perceiving podcasts to be a more beneficial resource over traditional books and journals. Whether assigned by a faculty member or selected by a resident, podcasts enable trainees to acquire information at their own pace, are usually free of charge, and afford users immediate access to expert educators. For instructors, podcasts can deliver content to learners in advance of scheduled curriculum sessions to support application of knowledge through interactive learning activities. By recording key topics as downloadable content, educators can create podcasts that reach learners on the local, national, or international level. High-quality podcasts can also advance faculty careers and promote one’s program beyond its home institution.