"The patient as teacher" - thematic analysis of undergraduate medical students' experiences with an experiential learning project in palliative care.

BACKGROUND: Experiential learning holds high potential for medical students' education in palliative care. At RWTH Aachen University in Germany, medical students can participate in the course "The Patient as Teacher" offering a one-to-one exchange with a terminally ill patient over a period of several weeks complemented with four supervision sessions and writing of a reflective essay. The course had run from 2005 to 2020 before it was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the course's value as a palliative care teaching tool by investigating students' motivation and experiences over the years 2005-2020. METHODS: A stratified sample of 24 essays was taken from all submitted essays (n = 78), eight essays from the years 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2020. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the selected essays was conducted. RESULTS: The students felt motivated by the opportunity to gain more experience in palliative care, to improve their communication skills and to decrease insecurities in interaction with terminally ill patients. They learned about the patient's biography and medical history, and encountered physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of living with a life-limiting disease. Moreover, they experienced relationship building and communication with a terminally ill patient outside their role as future doctors. Ultimately, they considered their participation as a beneficial experience on both a personal and professional level. CONCLUSIONS: The course "The Patient as Teacher" presents a valuable tool for experiential learning in palliative care, which has elicited an unceasingly positive response among the students who participated over the years. It has facilitated medical students in overcoming insecurities in dealing with terminally ill patients and supported them in further developing their professional identity.

Knowledge and perception of medical students regarding remote-access thyroidectomy in Tabuk: the effects of extensive counseling-an interventional study.

Introduction: Remote-access scarless thyroidectomies are relatively new surgical procedures, and their uptake for cosmetic concerns is rapidly evolving. However, demographic factors, previous thyroid surgery, and culture substantially influence the patient's choice. This is the first study to assess the extensive counseling effect on the patient's preference for remote-access thyroidectomies compared to conventional transcervical approaches. We aimed to assess the same among medical students at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This interventional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information about demographic factors, knowledge, and perception of the medical students regarding remote-access thyroidectomies before and after a slide presentation. Results: Of 394 medical students (age 22.65 ± 1.62 years), 53.8% were women. Initially, the majority of the students preferred remote-access thyroidectomy over the conventional approach (85.3% vs. 14.7%, respectively); however, a substantial change toward the cervical approach was evident after extensive counseling [odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.58-4.27; and P-value <0.00]. Knowledge regarding remote-access thyroidectomy was poor (26.9%). The students were anxious regarding postoperative complications (3.22 ± 1.59/5), thyroid scar appearance (3.28 ± 1.36/5), and postoperative pain (3.17 ± 1.38/5). Concerns regarding body satisfaction and cost were lower. Conclusion: Medical students at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, demonstrated low knowledge. The strong preference for remote-access thyroidectomy over transcervical thyroidectomy shifted substantially toward the conventional approach after counseling. The main factors were thyroid scar appearance, pain, and complications. Further larger-scale studies involving the general public and assessing the effect of extensive counseling on surgical choice are needed.

Electronic cigarette use and consumption patterns in medical university students.

Background: A major public health hazard is youth e-cigarette use. Although new, e-cigarette health hazards are becoming well-known in the literature. E-cigarette sale restrictions and laws differ globally. In this cross-sectional study, we studied medical university students' tobacco and e-cigarette use and characteristics in a country where sales and import of e-cigarettes are banned. The primary objective is to determine the prevalence of electronic cigarette use and understand consumption patterns among medical faculty students in this setting. Materials and methods: The questionnaire was sent using a web-based student information system. Sociodemographic features, tobacco and e-cigarette use, consumption patterns, and e-cigarette risk perceptions were covered in 54 questions. Results: The study comprised 1,054 students (48.7% male) aged 21.5 ± 2.6 years who completed the questionnaire. 37.7%, 20.9% and 23.6% have smoked cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or water pipes. Current cigarette smokers were 17.0%, e-cigarette users 4.0%, and water pipe smokers 4.5%. E-cigarette users were 52.3% dual smokers. The most common symptoms reported by e-cigarette users were cough (58.4%) and dyspnea (54.2%). Multivariable models showed that the male sex, greater monthly income, and a current smoker friend were independent risk factors for e-cigarette ever use, while the male sex, paternal current smoking, and close friends' current smoking status were risk factors for dual use among medical trainees. Many medical students who used electronic cigarettes underestimated nicotine's health hazards and harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes. Despite e-cigarette sales being prohibited in our country, 56.4% and 25.4% of e-cigarette users provided e-cigarettes from tobacco shops and through online sales, respectively. Conclusion: Medical university students use tobacco most often by smoking cigarettes. Despite medical university students being aware of the health hazards of e-cigarettes, the current use of electronic cigarettes is 4.0%. Male sex, greater monthly income, and having current smoker friends are independent risk factors for e-cigarette use, while paternal smoking is a risk factor for dual use among medical trainees. Although in the country, sales of e-cigarettes are banned, ever-use rates for e-cigarettes were remarkably high at 20.9%, and the ease of accessing e-cigarettes was striking.

Validation of Checklists and Evaluation of Clinical Skills in Cases of Abdominal Pain With Simulation in Formative, Objective, Structured Clinical Examination With Audiovisual Content in Third-Year Medical Students' Surgical Clerkship.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop and validate 6 checklists for evaluating abdominal pain in clinical simulation scenarios; to assess student competencies in managing 6 clinical cases using OSCE, based on faculty evaluations; and to analyze discrepancies between faculty and student evaluations. DESIGN: A practical workshop was designed to address 6 clinical scenarios of abdominal surgical conditions. Four scenarios employed medium fidelity simulators, while 2 scenarios employed standardized patient methodology. Prior to the workshop, students received theoretical audiovisual material. At the conclusion of the workshop, students were evaluated using checklists that assessed communication, privacy, anamnesis, and technical skills. Ten workshops were conducted over 3 years, using the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) format for evaluation. SETTING: In the statistical analysis, t-Student tests or ANOVA were employed to ascertain whether there were any significant differences between the groups. In the process of validating checklists for clinical scenarios, 6 experts were asked to evaluate each item on a scale of 1 to 9. To assess the degree of agreement among experts, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was employed. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved a total of 670 third-year medical students from the University of Murcia (UMU), Spain, who participated in the subject "Medical-Surgical Skills." RESULTS: High levels of appropriateness were observed for the checklist items, with mean scores above 7.5 points, as well as high levels of inter-expert agreement. Students obtained a mean score of 8 points in the evaluation of each clinical scenario. No significant differences were found between faculty and student scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The learning method focused on clinical scenarios of abdominal surgical diseases effectively enhanced the clinical skills of third-year medical students. It used pre-existing audiovisual materials, hands-on workshops with medium-fidelity simulators, and standardized patients. Consistent evaluations from students and faculty confirmed the efficacy of these strategies.

Exploring Motivating Factors for Pursuing Radiation Oncology: A Comparative Analysis of Medical Students and Residents.

Purpose Increasing medical student (MS) interest in radiation oncology (RO) is important to meet the rising demand for radiation oncologists. Understanding the factors that drive MS to pursue RO is crucial. This study compares motivating factors between MS and RO residents to inform interventions to increase recruitment and sustained interest in the specialty. Methods Data from two similar studies investigating factors motivating MS and residents to pursue RO were analyzed. The first study surveyed Canadian RO residents to characterize enablers when applying for RO residency. The second study analyzed application essays from MS applying to an RO studentship. A mixed methods approach was used to compare themes ("career aspects," "prior exposure," and "personal experiences") between the datasets. Results Qualitative analysis demonstrated that both MS and residents identified "career aspects" as the most common theme facilitating interest in RO careers. "Multidisciplinary work" and "direct clinical contact and patient care" were prominent sub-themes. MS emphasized "serious illness and palliative care" and "advanced technology," while residents prioritized RO as a "rewarding career." "Prior exposure," particularly through shadowing/observerships, was more important for MS than residents who valued clinical experiences. Practical career considerations including "mentorship" and "career satisfaction and lifestyle" were significant motivators for residents. Conclusion MS value content-based aspects of RO and emphasize shadowing. In contrast, RO residents prioritize lifestyle-based considerations. These differences highlight the opportunity for intervention throughout medical training to sustain interest in RO and facilitate applications to RO residency programs.

Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students in Two Countries.

INTRODUCTION: PCOS, a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affects fertility and increases the risks of other diseases. Early detection, risk factor assessment, and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire at two medical colleges in the UAE and Oman. The first study (UAE) results are already published. Here, we present the findings of the second study (Oman) and compare them. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The prevalence of PCOS was 4.6% (n = 7) in Oman and 27.6% (n = 69) in the UAE using the NIH criteria. The most common symptoms were irregular periods, acne, and thinning of hair. Students showed acne as the most prevalent symptom of clinical hyperandrogenism. Omani students showed significantly more acne [70.1% (n = 108) vs. 41.6% (n = 104)], while Emirati students showed a higher prevalence of hirsutism [32% (n = 80) vs. 23.3% (n = 36)]. A higher number of students had irregular periods 30.8% (77/150) in the UAE, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of PCOS was significantly higher in Emirati medical students than in Omani students (p < 0.05). The prevalence was also lower among medical students in Oman compared to an unselected population, reported by a study that included all consecutive women between 12 and 45 years of age attending a hospital. An increased trend in unhealthy lifestyle practices was observed in the recent study. Obesity was a strong predictor of PCOS symptoms across the populations in both countries (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PCOS and clinical signs of hyperandrogenism vary significantly between countries in the MENA region. There is a need to identify specific risk factors associated with PCOS in different populations, explore the genetic basis, and undertake collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from various disciplines to raise awareness about PCOS and its associated risks.

Understanding AI in Healthcare: Perspectives of Future Healthcare Professionals.

Introduction The current medical curriculum lacks comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI)-focused training, potentially impacting future healthcare delivery. This study addresses the critical gap in AI training within medical education, particularly in India, by assessing medical students' awareness, perceptions, readiness, confidence, and ethical considerations regarding AI in healthcare. Our findings underscore the necessity of integrating AI competencies into medical education to prepare future healthcare professionals for an AI-driven landscape. Method After obtaining ethics approval, we conducted a cross-sectional study on Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students from the 2019-2023 batch. An exploratory survey using a validated questionnaire was employed to obtain medical students' current understanding and awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, perceptions, readiness, confidence, and ethical considerations in utilizing AI technologies in clinical practice. Results The survey received 217 responses from 2019-2023 MBBS students. We found a mean percentage of awareness score of 44.74%, a mean percentage perception score of 68.96%, a mean percentage readiness score of 91.32%, a mean percentage confidence score of 58.48%, and a mean percentage ethics importance score of 69.27%. Males had higher awareness, confidence, and readiness scores. Conversely, females scored slightly higher in perception and the importance of ethics consideration, although not statistically significant. Junior batches outperform senior batches in perception, confidence, and readiness scores; in contrast, the awareness and ethics importance scores do not show significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion Our study indicates a generally positive outlook toward AI's potential to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. The study suggests a strong inclination toward further education and practical training focused on AI in healthcare, considering a solid recognition of the significance of ethical implications related to AI in healthcare. These findings highlight the importance of fostering AI literacy within medical education curricula and underscore the necessity for ongoing evaluation and adaptation to ensure that future healthcare professionals are equipped to navigate the complexities of AI in healthcare delivery while upholding ethical standards.

Exploring the impact of early exposure and mentorship on the neurosurgery career aspirations of medical students in low- and middle-income countries.

Early exposure to neurosurgery has been shown to have a positive influence on students' perceptions and attitudes towards the field of neurosurgery. This review delves into the problems faced by the neurosurgery workforce in LMICs, highlighting the necessity for local and international collaborative strategies and plans to enhance the medical education curriculum, training, and retention of neurosurgeons in their home countries. Mentorship also emerges as a crucial factor in neurosurgical career progress, narrowing the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practical skills, and providing guidelines in career pathways. Despite numerous benefits of early exposure and mentorship, limitations such as limited resources, inadequate elective opportunities, and negative cultural influences, hinder students' interest in neurosurgery. However, initiatives such as global outreach programs and collaborations between HICs and LMICs aim to address these challenges and improve access to mentorship and training opportunities and programs. This review recommends the integration of mentorship into career development strategies, establishing well-structured mentorship programs, and strengthening neurosurgery exposure in medical education. By implementing these recommendations, the next generation of neurosurgeons can be better equipped to address the complex challenges in LMICs, ultimately, enhancing easy access to neurosurgical care and strengthening healthcare systems.

Physical activity and suicidal behavior in medical students from the United States.

BACKGROUND: There are little data on the relationship between physical activity and suicidal behavior in medical students. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and suicidal behavior and identify mediating factors involved in the association among medical students from the United States. METHODS: Data from the Healthy Minds Study (2007-2023) were used. Physical activity and suicidal behavior (i.e., suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts) were self-reported. Control variables included age, gender, ethnicity/race, relationship status, citizenship, current financial stress, and academic year. Mediating factors were flourishing, generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, depressive symptoms, eating disorder symptoms, binge drinking, smoking, and drug use. RESULTS: There were 6452 medical students included in the study (median [IQR] age 25.0 [3.0] years; 4032 [62.5 %] women). After adjusting for control variables, compared with <1 hour of physical activity per week, the odds of any suicidal behavior were significantly lower for 3-4 hours (OR = 0.57, 95 % CI = 0.41-0.79) and ≥5 hours of physical activity per week (OR = 0.52, 95 % CI = 0.39-0.70). The physical activity-any suicidal behavior relationship was partially explained by decreased depressive symptoms (39.4 %), increased flourishing (27.6 %), and decreased generalized anxiety disorder symptoms (18.7 %). LIMITATIONS: Data are of a cross-sectional nature. CONCLUSIONS: There was an inverse association between physical activity and suicidal behavior in medical students from the United States, while several variables were identified as mediating factors (i.e., depressive symptoms, flourishing, and general anxiety disorder symptoms). Further research is needed to corroborate these findings in other settings, while longitudinal data are urgently warranted.

A Qualitative Study Defining Perspectives on Rurality and Surgery From Midwestern Medical Schools.

INTRODUCTION: Rural general surgery faces a crisis as more surgeons undergo fellowship training and then practice in metropolitan areas, leaving rural Americans with decreasing surgical care. This study aims to identify how hometown rurality affects medical students' current level of knowledge and potential educational gaps within their understanding of the definition, benefits, and challenges of rural general surgery to define the need for enhanced education within medical schools. METHODS: In Spring 2021, 11 Midwestern medical schools participated in an electronic survey. Participants were divided into three groups (rural, urban, or suburban) based on their hometown rurality using Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Qualitative analysis was performed for three questions addressing the definition, benefits, and challenges of rural surgery. RESULTS: Responses were analyzed from 411 students whose hometowns were representative of 33 states. The majority of respondents were female (n = 260; 63.4%) and Caucasian (n = 230; 56.9%) from self-reported suburban backgrounds who grew up and remained in the Midwest for their education. Major themes identified across all students were defining rural surgery as "Rural"/"Farmland"/"Nowhere" and specified the challenges of rural surgery to be relating to funding, facilities, and/or technology. Benefits identified were breadth of surgical procedures and community engagement. CONCLUSIONS: Most students do not understand the concept of rurality by definition or Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. However, students were able to identify a broad range of challenges and benefits faced by rural surgeons today. This provides a foundational needs assessment to drive future educational efforts to increase exposure to and knowledge of rural general surgery.

Dietary habits as associated factors with irritable bowel syndrome among medical students: evidence from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Research on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among medical students has increased globally, highlighting a high prevalence in this demographic. However, there is a lack of data specifically regarding the prevalence of IBS among medical students in Yemen. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of IBS among Yemeni medical students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving medical students who completed a validated self-administered questionnaire incorporating socio-demographic information, dietary habits, smoking status, sleep patterns, and the Rome IV criteria for IBS. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify IBS's associated factors, estimated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and average marginal effect (AME) on the predicted probability of IBS. RESULTS: The study included 351 medical students with a mean age of 22.53 ± 2.70 years; 39.60% (139) were females. The prevalence of IBS was 26.21% (92 students), with 67.39% (62) of them classified as IBS-M (mixed). In multivariable analysis, the consumption of carbonated soft drinks remained significantly associated with IBS (OR: 3.35; 95% CI: 1.14-9.88; P = 0.028). In males, coffee consumption had a substantial effect on the predicted probability of IBS (AME: 11.41%; 95% CI: 0.32-22.60). In females, the consumption of carbonated soft drinks had a significant effect on the predicted probability of IBS (AME: 24.91%; 95% CI: 8.34-41.48). CONCLUSION: The consumption of carbonated soft drinks is significantly associated with IBS among medical students, with a particularly notable increase in the predicted probability of IBS in females. These findings highlight the necessity for gender-specific dietary recommendations in IBS management. Further research is essential to investigate IBS in the general population to gain a comprehensive understanding of its prevalence and associated factors.

Breast self-examination among female medical students at Damascus University: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of death in Syria. In young females, it is a serious complication, making it crucial to raise awareness about the disease and its early detection methods. Given the challenging circumstances that Syrians face, regular visits to medical centers for mammography are often not feasible. Therefore, breast self-examination (BSE) is a valuable tool for detecting cancer. Educating girls in medical colleges is key to disseminating knowledge about BSE among women, as they will become future healthcare providers and can share accurate information with their families. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the medical faculties of Damascus University (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy), Syria. The study utilized a structured questionnaire on Google Forms with four sections. The questionnaire was prepared electronically, and shared as an online link in formal university groups on social media. Data collection started on September 19, 2022, and ended on October 19 of the same year. Participation was accepted from female students in medical colleges, ranging from second to fifth year (for dental and pharmacy students) and sixth year (for medical students). Data from other students and incomplete data were excluded. Results: 589 female medical students from three faculties (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy) filled out the questionnaire. Only 57 % of the students demonstrated a good attitude towards BSE, and 79.6 % of them agreed or strongly agreed that they avoid BSE due to fear of the consequences of breast cancer. Regarding BSE knowledge, 89.6 % of the participants reported previously hearing about BSE, and 55.7 % of them had performed BSE before. The factors that were accompanied by better knowledge about BSE were: a good attitude towards BSE; previously performed BSE; studying in a medical faculty; study years for medical and pharmacy students; and higher college average grades. Whereas, having a medical relative and having a family member with a history of BC surprisingly do not impact the knowledge. Conclusion: The study, conducted at Damascus University in Syria, assessed the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female medical college students. The results indicate a moderate level of knowledge and limited practical experience in performing breast self-examination. These findings highlight the urgent need to emphasize the importance of promoting and teaching this method to a wider population of women in society.

Interest in Cardiothoracic Surgery Among the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons' Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: As more integrated cardiothoracic (CT) surgical residency programs are developed, there is increased interest in factors influencing specialty selection during undergraduate medical education. This study aimed to nationally assess interests and perceptions of CT surgery from medical students pursuing surgery and factors influencing such interests. METHODS: Active members of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons - Medical Student Section were invited to complete an original survey. Means and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and graphed for questions using Likert scale responses. The comparison of mean responses for students in preclinical versus clinical years was assessed by a Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric ANOVA. Differences between response proportions were assessed via Bonferroni Comparison of Column Proportions. RESULTS: There were 306 surveys completed. Interest in CT surgery was indicated by 10.24% of respondents with preclinical students comprising 84.3% of those responses. Most students interested in CT surgery experienced certain factors including clinical exposure (78.4%), shadowing (81.8%), volunteering (57.1%), and significant personal/life events (86.2%) before medical school. Preclinical students noted exposure to CT surgery during preclinical years would further increase their interest when compared to clinical students (µ=4.12 versus µ=3.51, P<0.000). Importantly, clinical students feel significantly less supported by their school to pursue CT surgery compared to preclinical students (µ=2.45 versus µ=3.40, P<0.000). CONCLUSIONS: All factors establishing interest in CT surgery occurred before students entered medical school and during preclinical years. While there are negative perceptions associated with CT surgery, these may be ameliorated with increased support and resources for CT surgery during the preclinical years.

Knowledge and Perceptions of Self-Medication Among Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Students: A Cross-Sectional, Questionnaire-Based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Self-medication (SM) is a common practice worldwide, and the irrational use of drugs is a cause of concern. Self-medication has various forms, including taking medications without a physician's prescription, using a previous prescription for a similar condition, or using drugs obtainable at home without getting a physician's advice. The youth are highly influenced by the media and the internet, which promote SM behavior. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge and perceptions of SM in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students in all professional years, including interns in Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) and Hospital, Jammu. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was conducted at ASCOMS Hospital, Jammu. A total of 200 students of MBBS were included in the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and awareness level. The collected data were recorded in a Microsoft Excel sheet (Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA) and analyzed with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics software for Windows, version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULT: The present study reveals that 60% of the subjects were males and 65% of the students practiced SM, which indicates that SM is highly prevalent amongst MBBS students. It was observed that minor illness and quick relief were the major reasons for SM. Further, headache, cold/cough, and fever were the major indications for SM, whereas antipyretics and analgesics were the most commonly used drugs for SM.  Conclusion: The present study concluded that there was a high prevalence of SM practice among medical students, especially among females. However, the knowledge and perceptions of SM were not insufficient.

Knowledge and attitude of medical students towards artificial intelligence in ophthalmology in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology represents a transformative leap in healthcare. AI-powered technologies, such as machine learning and computer vision, enhance the accuracy and efficiency of ophthalmic diagnosis and treatment. Objective: This study aimed to determine medical students' awareness and attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between November 2022 and January 2023 using online questionnaires. Data collection was carried out using convenience sampling among medical students at the University. IBM SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data. Results: The current finding shows that most of the participants N=309 (89.6%) had heard of the use of AI in medicine, and N=294 (85.2%) heard of the use of AI in ophthalmology. 98.6% (n=340) of respondents believed AI would be a helpful tool in ophthalmology. Along this line of questioning, a significant majority of respondents, 332 (96.2%) selected screening, 332 (96.2%) selected diagnosis, and 293 (84.9%) selected prevention as a usage of AI ophthalmology. However, the majority, 76.5%) of students had little understanding of the development of AI in ophthalmology. In addition, a significant relationship between sex, academic year, cumulative GPA (cGPA), and awareness of AI in ophthalmology (P<0.001) was found in this study. Conclusions: Overall, medical students in Saudi Arabia appear to have favorable thoughts about AI and positive perceptions towards AI in ophthalmology. However, the findings of this study emphasize the limited understanding and low confidence levels of medical students in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of AI in ophthalmology. As a result, early exposure to AI-related materials in medical curricula is crucial for addressing these challenges through comprehensive AI education and practical exposure to prepare future ophthalmologists.

The migraine epidemic among medical students: a call for action.

Migraine is characterized by recurrent headaches of moderate-to-severe intensity and poses a significant challenge for medical students. This is a narrative literature review using PubMed and Scopus databases. This study examines how common migraine is in this group and suggests working together to address how it affects students' well-being and chances of succeeding as a medical professional in the future. Early diagnosis by licensed medical specialists is essential for effective management of migraine. To address this, the authors propose a multifaceted strategy. By including direct education on migraines in medical school curricula, future doctors will be better prepared to treat patients with comparable problems and manage their own migraines. Students with migraines can also benefit greatly from creating a supportive learning environment through staff training, accommodating academic policies, and providing easily available healthcare resources. In addition, this technology may be helpful. Apps for relaxation and migraine tracking can help students better manage their condition. Long-term success requires cooperation among all parties. By promoting cooperation among medical schools, student associations, healthcare practitioners, and governmental organizations, the authors can raise public awareness of migraine, make pertinent resources easier to access, and create evidence-based solutions specially designed to meet the needs of medical students who experience migraine. In the end, putting student well-being first and working together to put these solutions into practice can enable aspiring doctors to succeed at both personal and professional levels.

An Analysis of the Knowledge Among Midwifery Students at Medical University-Pleven Regarding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-Associated Diseases.

Background and objective Comprehensive health literacy and prevention have been the key methods to reduce the spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV-associated disease development. Raising awareness among young individuals about the risk factors and the ways to prevent the infection is often the starting point of primary prevention. In light of this, we aimed to assess the awareness of midwifery students at Medical University-Pleven about (HPV) and HPV-associated diseases. Material and methods We conducted a survey-based study among first-year students at Medical University-Pleven in the period spanning January to March 2020, which involved a direct group survey. We initially reached out to 445 students and 284 (63.8%) of them responded; 12 of them were midwifery students. In the period from May through November 2022, the same type of survey was repeated among 75 midwifery students, and 47 (62.7%) responded. A set of classic statistical methods were used to present and analyze the collected quantitative and qualitative data. The responses in the questionnaires were reviewed and recoded according to the requirements of the statistical program. The significance of the results, the findings, and the conclusions was set at p<0.05. A comparative analysis was employed to statistically compare the results to present the differences between the groups of traits studied. Data processing was performed using MS Office Excel 2019 and SPSS Statistics v.28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results Over half (70.6%) of the first-year midwifery students were aware of the infection caused by HPV. Among them, 10 students (29.4%) were familiar with the risk factors for HPV and HPV-associated diseases, and all of the fourth-year respondents knew about the studied issue. The majority of the respondents - 61.8% of the freshmen and 100% of the fourth-year students- were aware of HPV vaccine availability. Conclusions In the course of their training, the midwifery students at Medical University-Pleven acquired enough knowledge about the risk factors of HPV-associated diseases and the availability of vaccines to prevent them.

Combining stress inoculation with virtual reality simulation training of malignant hyperthermia.

BACKGROUND: Limited research has been conducted on how healthcare simulation can mitigate clinician stress. Stress exposure training (SET) has been shown to decrease stress's impact on performance. Combining SET with virtual reality (VR) simulation training has not yet been explored in the context of stress inoculation. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a VR module could induce stress. The secondary purpose was to determine if repeated exposure to stressors could decrease stress response in a simulated environment. METHODS: Medical students were recruited to partake in VR simulation modules aimed at treatment of malignant hyperthermia (MH). Those in the SET group were exposed to stressful stimuli during training modules, while those in the Control group were not. Both groups then completed a Test Module with the presence of stressful stimuli. Objective and subjective indicators of stress were measured after each module. RESULTS: Both groups indicated increases in perceived stress and module stressfulness after Training Module 1 and decreases after Training Module 2. After the Test Module, the Control group experienced significant elevation in perceived stress (p = .05), and the SET group had a significant decrease in perceived module stressfulness (p < .05). Both groups had a decrease in perceived competence after Training Module 1 (p < .001) and an increase after Training Module 2 (p < .001), with the SET group having significant elevation after the Test Module (p < .01). Both groups found the VR module to be feasible as a teaching tool. Objectively, the SET group showed an upward trend in electrodermal activity (EDA) from the Tutorial to Test Modules (p < .05), with the Control group showing a decrease after Training Module 2 (p = .05) and an increase after the Test Module (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A VR module targeting treatment of MH successfully induced stress and was regarded favorably by participants. Those in the SET group perceived less stress and more competence after the Test Module than those in the Control. Findings suggest that repeated exposure to stressors through VR may desensitize participants from future stress in a simulated environment.

Preference signaling in orthopaedic surgery: applicant perspectives and opinions.

CONTEXT: Orthopaedic surgery has become increasingly competitive over the years, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating additional challenges for applicants and programs. To promote an equitable match experience, the American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) introduced a formal preference signaling (PS) system into the 2022-2023 application cycle. PS allows applicants to indicate their heightened interest in specific programs, which improves the likelihood of receiving an interview and ultimately matching at their desired residency program. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this anonymous survey is to assess applicants' opinions and perspectives toward PS in orthopaedic surgery prior to the 2022-2023 match results. Additionally, we sought to evaluate the signaling strategies being utilized by applicants. METHODS: An anonymous 22-question survey was distributed to applicants of an orthopaedic surgery residency program (34.2 % response rate). Responses were collected after the application submission deadline but before the match lists and results were available. This survey included questions germane to demographics, signal utilization, signaling reasons and strategies, and opinions toward PS. Descriptive statistics were calculated utilizing R (version 4.2.1) and RStudio. RESULTS: Most respondents (96.1 %) participated in PS, and 96.7 % utilized all 30 signals. Signaling encouraged 24.2 % of applicants to apply to fewer programs. In accordance with guidelines, 83.2 % of respondents signaled each away rotation program; however, only 53 % signaled their home program. Applicants commonly signaled 1-10 "reach" and "safety" programs each. Proximity to Family and Perceived Operative Experience were the most important reasons for signaling, whereas Program Prestige was the least. A program's social presence and virtual interview option did not influence many applicants' decisions for signaling. Most applicants believe that the COVID-19 pandemic and pass/fail licensure examinations influenced PS adoption. Sixty-seven of 149 respondents (45 %) claimed that applicants and programs benefit equally from PS, while 41 % believe programs benefit more. Nearly half (40.94 %) knew very little or nothing about PS. CONCLUSIONS: During the inaugural introduction of PS in orthopaedic surgery, nearly every applicant utilized all 30 signals, prioritizing factors like family proximity and perceived operative experience over program prestige. This shift reflects the importance of geographic location and presumed training quality. Despite unfamiliarity toward PS, personalized signaling strategies were implemented, accompanied by a slight decrease in application volumes. The 30 allotted signals in orthopaedic surgery may serve as an informal application cap due to the necessity of signaling a program for an interview invite. However, improved educational efforts are needed to enhance the understanding and maximize the benefits of PS for both applicants and programs.