Fig. 3

a Observed Time-To-Successful-Biopsy Completion By Technique Used and PGY Year. FNA: Fine needle aspiration. This figure is a visual representation of the learning curves for time-to-successful-biopsy completion for each resident in each trial, using both the short-axis and long-axis techniques. The upper graphic, is a representation of the data points for the junior residents in their PGY1-3 years; whereas, the bottom schematic visually represents data from the senior residents in their PGY4 year. The increased data variability in novice learners (PGY1-3) is noted. b Average Successful FNA Procedure Time By Technique And Individual. FNA: Fine needle aspiration. This figure is a cubic spline model of time to FNA completion in seconds over multiple attempts. It is a visual representation of the average learning curves for time-to-successful-biopsy across multiple attempts for each resident in each trial, using both the short-axis and long-axis techniques. The upper graphic, is a representation of the data points for residents in their PGY1-3 years; whereas, the bottom schematic visually represents data from residents in their PGY4 year. Again, The increased data variability in novice learners (PGY1-3) is noted