scholarly journals P.086 A randomized trial of a simple intervention to improve neurosurgery rotation experience for senior medical students

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (s2) ◽  
pp. S39-S39
Author(s):  
CS Ahuja ◽  
NM Alotaibi ◽  
S Wang ◽  
B Davidson ◽  
T Mainprize ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Educational Experiences ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Learning Curves ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Specific Orientation

Background: High volumes, ill patients, and steep learning curves can make neurosurgical rotations challenging for medical students. Furthermore, existing rotations often lack neurosurgery-specific orientation materials and level-appropriate pre-reading resources reducing the educational yield of short rotations. This is compounded by the lack of mandatory neurosurgical rotations across medical schools. We hypothesized that a “Neurosurgery Clerkship Manual” covering key orientation, knowledge, and practical topics would enhance educational experiences and generate sustained knowledge retention. Methods: Students rotating through neurosurgery at three hospitals were randomized to receive(intervention) or not receive(control) free access to the manual before their rotation. Participants completed surveys before, immediately after, and 4-weeks after the rotation assessing expectations, experiences, and clinically-relevant knowledge. Results: 61 participants were randomized between 2014 and 2017 with 43(70.5%) completing all three questionnaires. Baseline demographics, characteristics, and experiences were not significantly different. Those receiving the manual reported increased rotation enjoyment(p=0.02), decreased stress levels (p=0.05), and a greater feeling of being “part of the team”(p=0.01). There were also reductions in feeling like they were “not learning” (p=0.01). Finally, those receiving the manual demonstrated significantly better knowledge after the rotation (91.6%vs80.9%;p=0.04) which was sustained at 4-weeks post-rotation (89.2%vs79.0%;p=0.05). Conclusions: A simple and inexpensive clerkship manual can improve the neurosurgery rotation experience and knowledge retention for medical students.

‘This Feminine Invasion of Medicine’: Women in Irish Medical Schools, c.1880–1945

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Medical Student ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Educational Experiences ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
The Other ◽  
Male Students ◽  
Social Sphere ◽  
Irish Medical ◽  
Experiences Of Women

This chapter examines the experiences of women who studied at Irish medical schools and hospitals from the 1880s to 1940s. Previous research has suggested that the first generation of female medical students at Irish institutions had largely positive educational experiences and were treated in a paternalistic and supportive manner by their professors and fellow students, in contrast with their counterparts in Britain. However, in spite of this, it is clear that Victorian arguments against women studying medicine prevailed. In the student press, female medical students were presented as the ‘other’ and characterised as studious, bookish, cold, defeminised or alternately as obsessed or unconcerned with their appearances. It is clear, that although women and men were largely educated together for all subjects, with the exception of anatomy dissections, that women occupied a separate social sphere from the male students. Drawing on student magazines, Irish doctors’ memoirs, newspapers and the minute books of medical student societies, this chapter evaluates attitudes to women studying medicine and the educational and extra-curricular experiences of these women and how they fitted in within a very masculine sphere. In addition, this chapter will also explore women’s day-to-day student lives and the challenges they faced in pursuit of their education.

scholarly journals 1697 Undergraduate Otolaryngology: Enhancing Interest and Education with Hands-on Simulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Hirniak ◽  
A Jain ◽  
M Van ◽  
I Kokotkin ◽  
M Vaghela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Educational Experiences ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Sustained Improvement ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Baseline Knowledge

Abstract Introduction With cancelled student placements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a shift towards non-patient-facing methods to deliver medical education. The aim was to design, deliver and evaluate an ENT course for undergraduate medical students. Method A three-part simulation course on common and emergency ENT conditions was delivered by ENT trainees to undergraduate medical students (n = 50). It involved theoretical and hands-on experience with otoscopy on head models; nasoendoscopy and epistaxis management with upper airway head models and nasal packing kits; and management of compromised airways using critical airway models, airway adjuncts, intubation and cricothyroidotomy kits. Delegates were given pre- and post-course questionnaires, with another at six-weeks to test knowledge retention. Results were statistically analysed using paired and independent sample t-tests. Results A statistically significant improvement in post-test knowledge of 55% (p<0.01) was observed. Delegates also demonstrated a sustained improvement of 51% (p<0.01) six-weeks later compared to baseline knowledge. 76% and 80% reported improved confidence managing epistaxis and performing intubation respectively; 46% reported increased interest in pursuing ENT as a potential career. Conclusions This study demonstrated statistically significant and sustained improvements in knowledge about common and emergency ENT concepts. ENT simulation therefore represents an efficacious mechanism for teaching key ENT concepts and improving confidence in undergraduate medical students, whilst improving interest in pursuing ENT as a career. Additionally, simulation is an invaluable educational adjunct that may foster more realistic, impactful, and safer educational experiences for medical students whilst exposure to patients is minimised due to the current pandemic.

scholarly journals Levels of stress in medical students due to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. medethics-2020-107155
Author(s):  
Lorcan O'Byrne ◽  
Blánaid Gavin ◽  
Dimitrios Adamis ◽  
You Xin Lim ◽  
Fiona McNicholas
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Personal Health ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
International Status

For medical schools, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated examination and curricular restructuring as well as significant changes to clinical attachments. With the available evidence suggesting that medical students’ mental health status is already poorer than that of the general population, with academic stress being a chief predictor, such changes are likely to have a significant effect on these students. This online, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on perceived stress levels of medical students, investigate possible contributing and alleviating factors, and produce recommendations for medical schools to implement during future healthcare emergencies. The majority (54.5%) of respondents reported levels of stress ranging from moderate to extreme. Higher levels of stress were significantly associated with female gender (p=0.039) and international status (p=0.031). A significant association was also noted between reported stress and the transition to online learning (p<0.0001) and online assessment formatting (p<0.0001), concerns for personal health (p<0.0001) and for the health of family members (p<0.0001). Students who reported higher stress levels were less confident in their government’s management of the crisis (p=0.041). Additionally, students who reported lower stress agreed highly that their medical school had an appropriate response to the crisis (p<0.0001), had provided sufficient information regarding the crisis (p=0.015), that they trust their school in handling the continuing of their education (p=0.020) and that their school had appropriate plans in place to support the continuing of education (p=0.017)

Dissection of the Destitute: The Supply of Anatomical Subjects to the Medical Schools of Aberdeen c. 1832–1902

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dee Hoole
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
The City

This article examines the mechanisms and arrangements for the movement of subjects for dissection at Aberdeen after the Anatomy Act, and the methods adopted by the Inspector of Anatomy for Scotland and the teachers of anatomy to implement the Act. There has been limited research on the working of the Anatomy Act in Scotland, which this paper aims to address by demonstrating the uniquely Scottish manner of implementation of the Anatomy Act through the use of the Funeratory system, which worked remarkably smoothly. Regimes and arrangements associated with the dissection and disposal of anatomical remains in the city provide statistics, and give details of unclaimed paupers who became ‘material contributions’ for Aberdeen anatomists and medical students.

Pilot Project: Does formal bedside training of medical students with a FAST exam increase their knowledge and comfort level with ultrasound use in a community family medicine practice setting?

POCUS Journal ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-17
Author(s):  
Rimi Sambi, MD ◽  
Heather Sawula, MD ◽  
Brent Wolfrom, MD ◽  
Joseph Newbigging, MD
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Family Medicine ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Undergraduate Curriculum ◽  
Knowledge Retention ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Medical Undergraduate ◽  
Fast Exam

As point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) becomes increasingly popular and a standard of care in many clinical settings, the interest for integration in medical undergraduate curriculum is also growing [1]. This project aims to assess whether formal bedside Focused Abdominal Scan for Trauma (FAST) exam training of medical students increases their knowledge and comfort with the use of bedside ultrasound in a family medicine setting at Queen’s University. Third year medical students (n=18) were recruited to participate in a training session involving a 1-hour online video and 2-hour hands-on session. Knowledge based surveys were completed before and after the training. A survey was completed 4 months after the teaching session evaluating knowledge retention, comfort, and application of skills. Student knowledge of PoCUS and FAST increased and was maintained (pre-training 56%±20%, post-training 82%±10%, p<0.001). Self-evaluation of comfort performing a FAST examination (5-point Likert scale) similarly increased post-training session (pre-training 1.4±0.8, post-training 3.8±0.9, p<0.005), but decreased 4 months later (3±1.2, p<0.005). Students in this study were unanimously interested in ultrasound training and the methods used effectively increased theoretical knowledge and comfort with use. Students did not retain their comfort levels with FAST exam 4 months after the training session, nor did they have the opportunity to utilize the skills learned. Further evidence is required to identify the applicability of these results to undergraduate curriculum development.

scholarly journals Mentors' experiences in an osteopathic medical student research program

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Hamby ◽  
W. Paul Bowman ◽  
Don P. Wilson ◽  
Riyaz Basha
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Systematic Instruction ◽  
Medical Student Research ◽  
Research Programs ◽  
Student Mentor ◽  
The University

Abstract Context Medical students, especially at osteopathic medical schools, have limited research exposure. Systematic instruction in research, supervised by qualified mentors, could motivate osteopathic medical students to pursue research in their careers, thereby increasing the number of future clinician-scientists. Recruiting and retaining suitable research mentors are crucial to sustaining such programs, but this task is also particularly challenging for osteopathic medical schools. Objectives To assess mentors' experiences in a voluntary student-mentor medical research program. Methods An online survey was sent to 76 university- or hospital-based participants who previously mentored 219 medical students between 2014 and 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items with responses in checklist, five-point Likert scale, and categorical multiple-choice formats, assessing motivation for participation, satisfaction with the program, and interest in future participation. Data were analyzed descriptively, and responses from mentors at the university and hospital were compared using univariate logistic and ordinal regression analyses. Results Among 70 (92.1%) mentors who responded to the survey, 61 (87.1%) reported being motivated by a desire to help medical students learn research. Forty-nine (70.0%) mentors indicated that furthering their own research productivity was a motivation, and hospital-based mentors were statistically significantly more likely to endorse this source of motivation (OR=2.02; 95% CI=1.18–3.45; p=0.01). Most respondents were satisfied with the quality of the students' work (59 [84.3%]) and with the program (59 [85.5%]). However, 46 (65.7%) suggested the program could be enhanced by requiring medical students to be physically present in the clinic or laboratory for a minimum amount of time. Importantly, most (58 [84.1%]) mentors reported that they would be interested in participating in future mentored research programs. Conclusions Mentors were motivated to participate in the voluntary research program for both altruistic and professional reasons. Since most mentors reported being satisfied with the program, it is likely they would participate in future mentored research programs. Our results suggest that mentors viewed this voluntary research program as mutually beneficial.

scholarly journals How does participation in a voluntary prize exam affect medical students’ knowledge and interest in ENT, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology?

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Razan Nour ◽  
Kerry Jobling ◽  
Alasdair Mayer ◽  
Salma Babikir
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Plastic Surgery ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Spare Time ◽  
Before And After ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Interest And Knowledge

Abstract Background Otolaryngology (ENT), plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology are medical specialties which tend to receive less coverage in UK medical school curricula compared to larger, generalist specialties. As a result, there are fewer opportunities for medical students to learn and to cultivate an interest. There are numerous papers that report concerns about junior doctors’ ability to manage conditions within these specialties, which may jeopardise patient safety. The aim of our pilot project was to increase medical students’ interest and knowledge of ENT, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and dermatology. In addition to describing our project, we present and discuss literature on UK undergraduate education in these specialties and its impact on preparedness of junior doctors and future career choices. Methods One hundred twelve final year medical students at Newcastle University were invited to take part in a voluntary two-part (written and clinical) exam, in which prizes could be won and all participants would receive a certificate of participation. We distributed two online surveys to the students, one administered before the exam and one afterwards. Data was collected regarding the students’ motivation for entering the prize exam and the students’ baseline interest and knowledge in these specialties before and after the prize exam. Free-text responses were collected about the students’ opinion of the project and whether participation was beneficial. Results Sixteen students participated in the exam. There was a statistically significant increase in the students’ knowledge in ENT (p < 0.000), plastic surgery (p < 0.000), ophthalmology (p < 0.028) and dermatology (p < 0.012) after participation in the exam, but not in their interest levels. ENT was the preferred specialty of our cohort. The students reported that they found participation beneficial to their learning, particularly receiving exam feedback and explanations to exam questions. Conclusions This pilot project was a useful intervention in increasing medical students’ knowledge in these specialties, but not in their levels of interest. It also demonstrates that medical students are willing to participate in voluntary initiatives (in their spare time) to gain more learning opportunities and that medical students value timely exam feedback to guide their revision.

scholarly journals Structural Barriers to Student Disability Disclosure in US-Allopathic Medical Schools

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110186
Author(s):  
Lisa M Meeks ◽  
Ben Case ◽  
Erene Stergiopoulos ◽  
Brianna K Evans ◽  
Kristina H Petersen
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Class Size ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Organizational Characteristics ◽  
School Level ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Structural Barriers ◽  
Disability Disclosure

Introduction: Leaders in medical education have expressed a commitment to increase medical student diversity, including those with disabilities. Despite this commitment there exists a large gap in the number of medical students self-reporting disability in anonymous demographic surveys and those willing to disclose and request accommodations at a school level. Structural elements for disclosing and requesting disability accommodations have been identified as a main barrier for students with disabilities in medical education, yet school-level practices for student disclosure at US-MD programs have not been studied. Methods: In August 2020, a survey seeking to ascertain institutional disability disclosure structure was sent to student affairs deans at LCME fully accredited medical schools. Survey responses were coded according to their alignment with considerations from the AAMC report on disability and analyzed for any associations with the AAMC Organizational Characteristics Database and class size. Results: Disability disclosure structures were collected for 98 of 141 eligible schools (70% response rate). Structures for disability disclosure varied among the 98 respondent schools. Sixty-four (65%) programs maintained a disability disclosure structure in alignment with AAMC considerations; 34 (35%) did not. No statistically significant relationships were identified between disability disclosure structures and AAMC organizational characteristics or class size. Discussion: Thirty-five percent of LCME fully accredited MD program respondents continue to employ structures of disability disclosure that do not align with the considerations offered in the AAMC report. This structural non-alignment has been identified as a major barrier for medical students to accessing accommodations and may disincentivize disability disclosure. Meeting the stated calls for diversity will require schools to consider structural barriers that marginalize students with disabilities and make appropriate adjustments to their services to improve access.

scholarly journals A Scoping Review of Professional Identity Formation in Undergraduate Medical Education

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiva Sarraf-Yazdi ◽  
Yao Neng Teo ◽  
Ashley Ern Hui How ◽  
Yao Hao Teo ◽  
Sherill Goh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Professional Identity ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Professional Identity Formation ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Content Analyses

Abstract Background Professional identity formation (PIF) in medical students is a multifactorial phenomenon, shaped by ways that clinical and non-clinical experiences, expectations and environmental factors merge with individual values, beliefs and obligations. The relationship between students’ evolving professional identity and self-identity or personhood remains ill-defined, making it challenging for medical schools to support PIF systematically and strategically. Primarily, to capture prevailing literature on PIF in medical school education, and secondarily, to ascertain how PIF influences on medical students may be viewed through the lens of the ring theory of personhood (RToP) and to identify ways that medical schools support PIF. Methods A systematic scoping review was conducted using the systematic evidence-based approach. Articles published between 1 January 2000 and 1 July 2020 related to PIF in medical students were searched using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC and Scopus. Articles of all study designs (quantitative and qualitative), published or translated into English, were included. Concurrent thematic and directed content analyses were used to evaluate the data. Results A total of 10443 abstracts were identified, 272 full-text articles evaluated, and 76 articles included. Thematic and directed content analyses revealed similar themes and categories as follows: characteristics of PIF in relation to professionalism, role of socialization in PIF, PIF enablers and barriers, and medical school approaches to supporting PIF. Discussion PIF involves iterative construction, deconstruction and inculcation of professional beliefs, values and behaviours into a pre-existent identity. Through the lens of RToP, factors were elucidated that promote or hinder students’ identity development on individual, relational or societal levels. If inadequately or inappropriately supported, enabling factors become barriers to PIF. Medical schools employ an all-encompassing approach to support PIF, illuminating the need for distinct and deliberate longitudinal monitoring and mentoring to foster students’ balanced integration of personal and professional identities over time.

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