Filling in the Blanks: Senior Medical Student Supporting the Transition of Incoming First-Year UK Medical Students During COVID-19

There is a lack of resources available to support transition into the first year of UK medical schools. Due to COVID-19 and the possibility that students have lost learning, it is argued that there is a demand for free, accessible curated materials. These can reinforce confidence in expected core topics, mitigate differences in student knowledge and provide a head start in new concepts prior to entry — particularly important in the transition to a virtual learning environment. During lockdowns, this may lessen the effect of lost learning and can be assembled by medical students pitching appropriate content and encouraging near-peer support.

11 A Sequential Simulation Experience for Interim Foundation Doctors and Analysis of Preparedness to Practice Early

Introduction Covid-19 necessitated the early graduation of medical students to join the healthcare workforce as Foundation Interim Year 1 (FiY1) doctors. A sequential simulation session was implemented to improve and assess FiY1 preparedness towards approaching deteriorating patients. Method 12 FiY1 doctors participated in the session containing three sequential major stations: complex new admission, ward-based management, and acute deterioration. Participants interpreted investigations, performed examinations, created management plans, and escalated using a pager. Results There was a significant improvement in preparedness for giving treatment (median(IQR): pre-simulation 3(3-4) vs. post-simulation 4(4-4.75); p = 0.04) and paperwork (2(2-3.75) vs. 4(3.25-4.75); p = 0.03). Following four weeks of FiY1 participants demonstrated significant improvement in preparedness for giving treatment (median(IQR): pre-simulation 3(3-4) vs. post-FiY1 4.5(4-5); p = 0.01), communication and teamworking (4(3.25-4.75) vs. 5(5-5.75); p = 0.01), and paperwork (2(2-3.75) vs. 5(5-5); p = 0.01). The FiY1 programme improved integration within teams and facilitated training whilst medical school placements left participants feeling apprehensive and unprepared to practice. Conclusions This session provided an engaging method of increasing preparedness towards common challenges new physicians face. This study suggests future senior medical student apprenticeships should give the same investment, opportunities, and responsibilities as that of the FiY1 programme.

Making a match: trends in the application, interview, and ranking process for the neurological surgery residency programs

OBJECTIVE Neurosurgery is a highly competitive residency field with a match rate lower than that of other specialties. The aim of this study was to analyze trends associated with the residency match process from the applicants’ and program directors’ perspectives. METHODS Between 2010 and 2020, the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) Applicant and Program Director Surveys, the NRMP Charting Outcomes reports, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Data Resource Books were analyzed to identify the number of applicants interviewed and ranked in US programs, the applicants’ ranking preferences, the program directors’ preferential factors in offering interviews, and rank list order. Applicants were divided between US senior medical students and independent applicants. Each cohort was dichotomized for matched and unmatched applicants. RESULTS Over the study period, 2935 applicants applied to neurosurgery residency, including 2135 US senior medical students and 800 independent applicants, with an overall match rate of 65%. Overall, matched applicants had a significantly higher number of publications (p < 0.05). Among US senior medical student applicants, the application-to-interview ratio more than doubled over the study period, yet the number of interview invitations received, interviews accepted, and programs ranked remained unchanged. In the US senior medical student cohort, the number of submitted applications, interview invitations, accepted interviews, and programs ranked did not significantly differ between matched and unmatched applicants. In both cohorts, applicants shifted ranking factors from a more academic focus in early years to more well-being in later years. Letters of recommendation and board scores were key factors for program directors while screening applicants for interviews and ranking. CONCLUSIONS Neurosurgery residency continues to be a highly competitive field in medicine, with match rates of 65%. Recently, applicants have placed greater importance on ranking programs that value residents’ well-being, as opposed to strictly academic factors. A data-driven understanding of factors important to applicants and program directors during the match process has the potential to improve resident candidate recruitment and overall resident-program fit, thereby improving well-being during residency, reducing the attrition rate, and overall enhancing the diversity of the neurosurgery resident workforce.

Experiences of a London Medical Student in the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. As a senior medical student in London, I offer my perspective on how the virus has affected my education and the potential impact on the education of future medical students. I cover topics including videoconferencing replacing clinical placements, the disadvantages of online learning and an unprecedent shift to online, open book examinations.