1004 Student Perspectives on Surgical Careers. (12th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramjeeawon, A; Kungwengwe, G; Ooi, R
• Is Part Of: British journal of surgery. Volume 108:Supplement 6(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-12
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab259.887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1323

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To investigate medical students' understanding of skills needed as surgeons and how prepared they feel to pursue surgical careers, and to identify methods to support and prepare medical students who want to pursue surgical careers. Method: A student-led National Surgical Conference (Cardiff, 2018) ran a consensus and debate session entitled 'Are students adequately prepared for a career in surgery at medical school?', including a questionnaire addressing elements of medical school curriculums relevant to surgery and the importance of developing technical skills and non-technical skills (NTS). Results: 60 delegates completed the questionnaire: Year1-3 (n = 38), Year4-6 (n = 15), intercalating (n = 4), foundation doctors (n = 3). Delegates most frequently stated specific surgical skills (20.1%), broader surgical skills (20.1%) and interpersonal skills (17.2%) as the most important skills to be a surgeon. 75% rated technical skills and NTS as equally important, 25% rated technical skills as more important. 12.5% felt unconfident in their NTS to be an efficient surgical team-member, 37.5% felt between confident and unconfident, and 50% were confident. 26.3% felt unprepared to pursue surgical careers following medical school, 70.2% felt between prepared and unprepared, and 3.5% felt prepared. More practical surgical skills sessions (35%), career pathway sessions (15%), surgically relevant teaching (16%) and theatre or surgical placements (19%) were the most frequently wanted improvements. Conclusions: Prospective surgeons highly valued developing surgical skills and overall do not feel prepared to pursue surgery. Medical students would benefit from education on the surgical career pathway and the importance of the non-practical components of surgery, including patient safety and NTS.