Emotional Regulation in Surgery: Fostering Well-Being, Performance, and Leadership.

Emotional regulation is increasingly gaining acceptance as a means to improve well-being, performance, and leadership across high-stakes professions, representing innovation in thinking within the field of surgical education. As one part of a broader cognitive skill set that can be trained and honed, emotional regulation has a strong evidence base in high-stress, high-performance fields. Nevertheless, even as Program Directors and surgical educators have become increasingly aware of this data, with emerging evidence in the surgical education literature supporting efficacy, hurdles to sustainable implementation exist. In this white paper, we present evidence supporting the value of emotional regulation training in surgery and share case studies in order to illustrate practical steps for the development, adaptation, and implementation of emotional regulation curricula in three key developmental contexts: basic cognitive skills training, technical skills acquisition and performance, and preparation for independence. We focus on the practical aspects of each case to elucidate the challenges and opportunities of introducing and adopting a curricular innovation into surgical education. We propose an integrated curriculum consisting of all three applied contexts for emotional regulation skills and advocate for the dissemination of such a longitudinal curriculum on a national level.

Surgical career choices of medical students in China: does gender bias play a role?

BACKGROUND: Gender bias in career choices has always been a matter of great concern, including in the field of medicine. This study reports on the current situation in this regard in China, including the reasons for Chinese medical students' willingness to engage in surgical careers; investigates their accounts of gender bias; and analyzes the effect of gender bias on their surgical career choices. METHODS: This study invited medical students from Harbin Medical University to fill out a non-mandatory questionnaire on whether they had witnessed gender bias, their surgical career intentions, and factors influencing their career intentions. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences between continuous variables. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to compare the differences between the categorical variables, the Kendall correlation coefficient (tau) was used to assess the correlation between the reasons rankings reported by gender, and a multiple regression analysis was conducted by logit model. RESULTS: A total of 643 students responded to the questionnaire. Of them, 63.76% expressed a willingness for a surgical career, with "interest" being a key driving factor (73.41%). Almost all respondents (96.27%) answered that there were more male leaders in the surgical departments they had rotated through or had contacted. Only a few respondents reported gender barriers influencing recruitment (32.19%). However, witnessing gender bias (recruitment of male required) was correlated to choice of surgical career (P < 0.05). Females were less willing to pursue a career in surgery if they had witnessed gender barriers in surgical recruitment. Male dominance also correlated to the choice of a surgical career (P < 0.1). Of the respondents, 53.19% believed that surgery was not suitable for females; among female respondents, this number was 56.12%, higher than for male respondents. When females think that the surgical profession is not suitable for them, it reduces the possibility of their pursuing a career in surgery. CONCLUSION: Most medical students were interested in surgical care. Witnessing gender bias decreases females' willingness to pursue a career in surgery. It is necessary to stimulate medical students' interest in surgery when formulating strategies to promote surgical career choices, as well as to reduce gender bias in surgery; in this way, females' surgical careers should be ensured.

Factors Attracting or Deterring Female Medical Students in Asia From Pursuing a Surgical Career, and the Impact of Surgical Clerkship, Mentorship, and Role Models: A Multicultural Asian Perspective From a National Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Female surgeons are highly underrepresented in Asian countries, where prescriptive gender norms are widespread and more deeply embedded in societies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide structured questionnaire was completed by 1741 Singaporean third- and fifth-year medical students after the completion of an 8-week general surgery rotation, during 2015-2017. Results were analyzed using mixed-effects hierarchical models which took into account clustering of survey responses under the teaching hospitals which students were posted to and medical students' year of study. RESULTS: Female medical students had a poorer perception of general surgery than male students (3.22 ± 0.91 versus 3.41 ± 0.89; P < 0.0001) before the clerkship. However, the clerkship improved female students' opinion to a greater extent than male students (+0.84 ± 1.06 versus +0.59 ± 1.03; P < 0.0001), resulting in female and male students having comparable attitudes toward surgery after the clerkship (4.06 ± 0.79 versus 4.00 ± 0.87; P = 0.2435). A total of 40.4% of female students responded that they were inspired to pursue a surgical career after the clerkship, and we identified 13 pedagogical traits of faculty and resident mentors which were associated with female students' career aspirations. Female students were more likely to consider intellectual challenges arising from cases (ratio: 1.045 [95% confidence interval 1.004-1.088, P = 0.0292]) and the presence of role models (ratio: 1.068 [95% confidence interval: 1.020-1.118, P = 0.0048]) as "pull" factors compared with their male contemporaries, but were deterred from a surgical career to a greater extent by eight "push" factors. CONCLUSIONS: A surgical clerkship itself could be regarded as an effective intervention for improving female medical students' enthusiasm for surgery, which may help to address the "pipeline problem" of few female students applying for surgical training after medical school. A greater emphasis on "pull factors" and pedagogical qualities of mentors could be used to improve the clerkship experience, to attract more female students to surgery.

Involvement of medical students in a surgery congress: impact on learning motivation, decision-making for a career in surgery, and educational curriculum.

During the preclinical period of medical school, the clinical relevance of theoretical knowledge is given little attention. Medical students of the second year were invited to participate in an interdisciplinary congress for robot-assisted and digital surgery. The students had to evaluate the impact of the congress on their learning motivation, decision-making for a career in surgery, and relevance for their educational curriculum. Participation in the congress increased their learning motivation for preclinical subjects, and significantly increased their interest in a surgical career. Most students considered active involvement in medical congresses a valuable supplement to the medical curriculum. Congress participation during the preclinical period was ranked positively by medical students. Greater learning motivation and enthusiasm for the pilot teaching project as well as for surgical disciplines were registered. Thus, early involvement of medical students in scientific congresses should be an integral part of their educational curriculum.

"Bedside Anatomy": A Tool to Contextualize Learning and Introduce Surgical Careers.

BACKGROUND: Many medical students cite an unwelcoming culture in surgery and perceive surgeons as arrogant or unfriendly. These perceptions have been reported as factors discouraging medical students from applying to surgical residency programs. This highlights an opportunity early in medical education to address these negative stereotypes and create opportunities for positive interactions with surgeons. We hypothesize that positive experiences with surgical residents and introduction to representative surgical cases early in the medical school curriculum can provide a real-world context for learning anatomy and encourage students to consider a surgical career. METHODS: We developed and implemented a series of structured, one-hour, cadaver-based sessions cofacilitated by anatomists and surgical residents for medical students during their anatomy didactics. Sessions included common surgical cases and focused on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while offering opportunities to review cadaver anatomy. Students completed a postcourse survey. RESULTS: Nine sessions were implemented with involvement of eight surgical residents and 185 students; 83 students completed a postcourse survey (response rate of 45%). A majority of students rated the sessions "very helpful" in terms of highlighting the importance of anatomy in medical education (n = 52, 63%) and providing clinical context (n = 59, 71%). 54% (n = 45) indicated interest in a surgical career and 64% (n = 53) agreed that session participation had increased their interest in surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, students agreed that sessions provided clinical context for their learning and increased interest in a surgical career. Surgical faculty and residents should engage in preclinical medical education to bridge the basic science and clinical years and introduce positive surgical role models early during medical training.

A German survey of the abdominal transplantation surgical work force.

This manuscript reports the results of a nationwide survey of transplant surgeons in Germany, including the demographics, training, position, individual case loads, center volumes, program structure, professional practice, grade of specialization, workload, work hours, salary, and career expectations. We contacted all 32 German transplant centers that perform liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. Surgeons engaged in transplantation were asked to reply to the survey. Eighty-five surgeons responded, with a mean age of 44 ± 8 years, 13% of whom were female. The median transplant frequency per active transplant surgeon was relatively low, with 16 liver transplants, 15 kidney transplants, and three pancreas transplants. The median reported center volumes were 45 liver transplants, 90 kidney transplants, and five pancreas transplants per year. Most of the surgeons reported a primary focus on hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, and only 10% of effective work time was actually dedicated to perform transplant surgeries. The majority of respondents estimated their weekly work hours to be between 55 and 66 h. When asked about their career satisfaction and expectations, most respondents characterized their salaries as inappropriately low and their career prospects as inadequate. This survey provides a first impression of the transplant surgery work force in Germany.

Gender differences in the acquisition of surgical skills: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Females are less attracted than males to surgical specialties, which may be due to differences in the acquisition of skills. The aim of this study was to systematically review studies that investigate gender differences in the acquisition of surgical skills. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive database search using relevant search phrases and MeSH terms. We included studies that investigated the role of gender in the acquisition of surgical skills. RESULTS: Our search yielded 247 studies, 18 of which were found to be eligible and were therefore included. These studies included a total of 2,106 study participants. The studies were qualitatively synthesized in five categories (studies on medical students, studies on both medical students and residents, studies on residents, studies on gender differences in needed physical strength, and studies on other gender-related training conditions). Male medical students tended to outperform females, while no gender differences were found among residents. Gaming experience and interest in surgery correlated with better acquisition of surgical skills, regardless of gender. Although initial levels of surgical abilities seemed lower among females, one-on-one training and instructor feedback worked better on females and were able to help the acquisition of surgical skills at a level that negated measurable gender differences. Female physicians possess the required physical strength for surgical procedures, but may face gender-related challenges in daily clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Medical students are a heterogeneous group with a range of interests and experiences, while surgical residents are more homogeneous perhaps due to selection bias. Gender-related differences are more pronounced among medical students. Future surgical curricula should consider tailoring personalized programs that accommodate more mentoring and one-on-one training for female physicians while giving male physicians more practice opportunities in order to increase the output of surgical training and acquisition of surgical skills.

[Fostering young talents for surgery : Laparoscopy in preclinical education-Too early or exactly right?] / Nachwuchsförderung in der Chirurgie : Laparoskopie in der Vorklinik ­ zu früh oder genau richtig?

BACKGROUND: Due to the declining interest among medical students in pursuing a surgical career, the impact of demographic changes and the technical challenges, there is an increasing need to attract medical students to the surgical profession. Against this backdrop, a teaching project was developed to familiarize medical students with minimally invasive surgical techniques early in the preclinical education, thereby increasing the interest in surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of the regular anatomical dissection course the following modules on laparoscopic surgery were integrated: (1) clinical lecture on the technique and application of laparoscopy, (2) exploratory live laparoscopy on a body donor and (3) practical exercises on laparoscopic trainers. The impact of this teaching project on the interest in a surgical career and on the clinical anatomical understanding was evaluated among 295 participating medical students. RESULTS: The evaluation revealed a pronounced gender-independent interest in learning surgical skills early in the preclinical study phase. The teaching project led to a significantly increased interest in pursuing a surgical career. Moreover, the incorporation of laparoscopic teaching modules into the preclinical anatomy course enhanced the learning motivation and understanding of clinically relevant topographic anatomy. CONCLUSION: The integration of practical surgical content into preclinical anatomical education can increase the attractiveness of surgical disciplines and simultaneously optimize teaching of anatomy. Longitudinal studies are required to examine the sustainability of these clinical teaching modules in career decisions of medical students.

Short-time mentoring - enhancing female medical students' intentions toward surgical careers.

BACKGROUND: Women pursuing a career in surgery or related disciplines are still in the minority, despite the fact that women compose at least half of the medical student population in most Western countries. Thus, recruiting and retaining female surgeons remains an important challenge to meet the need for surgeons and increase the quality of care. The participations were female medical students between their third and fifth academic year. In this study, we applied the well-established psychological theory of planned behavior (TPB) which suggests that the intention to perform a behavior (e.g. pursuing a career in surgery) is the most critical and immediate predictor of performing the behavior. We investigated whether a two-part short-mentoring seminar significantly increases students' intention to pursue a career in a surgical or related specialty after graduation. METHOD: The mentoring and role-model seminar was conducted at 2 days for 90 minutes by six inspiring female role models with a remarkable career in surgical or related disciplines. Participants (N = 57) filled in an online survey before (T0) and after the seminar (T1). A pre-post comparison of central TPB concept attitude towards the behavior, 2) occupational self-efficacy and 3) social norm) was conducted using a paired sampled t-test. A follow-up survey was administered 12 months later (T2). RESULTS: The mentoring seminar positively impacted female students' attitude towards a career in a surgical specialty. Female students reported a significantly increased positive attitude (p < .001) and significantly higher self-efficacy expectations (p < .001) towards a surgical career after participating in the mentoring seminar. Regarding their career intention after the seminar, female students declared a significantly higher intention to pursue a career in a surgical specialty after graduating (p < .001) and this effect seems to be sustainable after 1 year. CONCLUSION: For the first time we could show that short-mentoring and demonstrating role models in a seminar surrounding has a significant impact on female medical student decision´s to pursue a career in a surgery speciality. This concept may be a practical and efficient concept to refine the gender disparity in surgery and related disciplines.

Relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience among surgical residents.

Background and Objective: Surgical residents face many challenges and stressors during their training. Some residents can cope better with such difficult situations, whereas others experience burnout and anxiety. Emotional intelligence (EI) and resilience are personality traits that may be associated with a better response to adverse situations. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study using validated questionnaires the Schutte Self-report EI Test (SSEIT) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25) was conducted to assess EI and resilience among the participants. Data were collected through the hard copies of the questionnaires, compiled using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 26. P < 0.5 was considered significant. The scores of EI and resilience were compared to evaluate the relationship between them. Results: A correlation analysis was performed between EI and resilience by comparing the scores obtained from SSEIT and CD-RISC. Our analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between EI and resilience (r = 0.59, P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Based on our results, we can say that EI and resilience are positively correlated. This means that an emotionally intelligent person should exhibit a resilient behavior.

Résumé Contexte et objectif: Les résidents en chirurgie sont confrontés à de nombreux défis et facteurs de stress au cours de leur formation. Certains résidents peuvent mieux faire face à des situations aussi difficiles, tandis que d'autres souffrent d'épuisement professionnel et d'anxiété. L'intelligence émotionnelle (IE) et la résilience sont des traits de personnalité qui peuvent être associés à une meilleure réponse aux situations défavorables. Méthodologie: Une étude analytique transversale utilisant des questionnaires validés, le Schutte Self-report EI Test (SSEIT) et l'échelle de résilience de Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC-25) a été menée pour évaluer l'IE et la résilience parmi les participants. Les données ont été collectées au moyen de copies papier des questionnaires, compilées à l'aide de Microsoft Excel et analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 26. P <0,5 a été considéré comme significatif. Les scores d'IE et de résilience ont été comparés pour évaluer la relation entre eux. Résultats: Une analyse de corrélation a été réalisée entre l'IE et la résilience en comparant les scores obtenus de SSEIT et CD-RISC. Notre analyse a révélé une forte corrélation positive entre l'IE et la résilience (r = 0,59, P < 0,0001). Conclusion: Sur la base de nos résultats, nous pouvons affirmer que l'IE et la résilience sont positivement corrélées. Cela signifie qu'une personne émotionnellement intelligente doit faire preuve d'un comportement résilient. Mots-clés: Comparisme, échelle de résilience de Connor-Davidson, test d'intelligence émotionnelle, quotient intelligent, carrière chirurgicale, résidents en chirurgie.

Academic goals in surgery.

The development of an academic surgical career can be an overwhelming prospect, and one that is not intuitive. Establishing a structured plan and support structure is critical to success. Starting a successful academic surgical career begins with defining one's academic goals within several broad categories: personal goals, academic goals, research goals, educational goals, and financial goals. Learning the art of self-promotion is the means by which many of these goals are achieved. It is important to realize that achieving these goals requires a delicate personal balance between work and home life, and the key ways in which to achieve success require establishment of well thought-out goals, a reliable support structure, realistic and clear expectations, and frequent re-evaluation.

Gender Matters: Understanding Transitions in Surgical Education.

Introduction: Diverse transitions are elemental to medical career trajectories. The effective navigation of such transitions influences a sense of belonging and wellbeing, positive relationships, and good engagement and attainment within new contexts. Using Multiple and Multidimensional Transitions (MMT) theory as an analytical lens, this paper aims to answer the research question: "What gendered transitions do female surgeons experience, and how do these gendered transitions impact them?" Methods: We conducted a qualitative study drawing on narrative inquiry, with face-to-face and online semi-structured interviews with 29 female surgeons across nine surgical specialities in Ireland and Scotland. This paper is part of a larger study including male surgeons, other colleagues and patients of female surgeons. The female surgeons in this paper were purposively sampled using maximum variation sampling across several levels (consultants, trainees and middle-grade doctors), as well as six who had transitioned out of surgery. Framework analysis was employed to interrogate the interview data. Results: Five overarching types of transitions were identified across surgical education but only three of these transitions-work, culture and health-were primarily experienced by female surgeons (not male surgeons so were considered gendered), thereby impacting social, academic, and psychological domains. The remaining two types of transition-education and geography-were seemingly experienced equally by female and male surgeons, so are beyond the scope of this paper focused on female surgeons' gendered experiences. Conclusion: This novel qualitative study drawing on MMT theory illustrates how multiple gendered transitions interact and impact female surgeons across the surgical education continuum. Aligned with MMT theory, family members and others are also purportedly affected by female surgeons' transitions. Healthcare educators, leaders and policymakers need to better understand gendered transitions and their impacts to improve support for female surgical trainees on their educational journeys.

Impact of an Interprofessional Surgical Skills Workshop on Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Student Interest in a Career in Surgery: A Thematic Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Medical student interest in surgery is decreasing both internationally and in Australia. There is also a current shortage of perioperative nursing staff, and demand for both surgeons and perioperative nurses is only expected to rise. The aim of this qualitative thematic analysis is to explore: (1) medical and nursing student's influences on their perspectives on surgery, and (2) the impact of a novel, interprofessional, simulation-based workshop on medical and nursing student interest in surgery as a career. DESIGN: A paired, anonymous pre- and postworkshop written survey was completed by medical and nursing student participants before and immediately after the surgical skills workshop. Thematic analysis of the responses was performed by 2 researchers independently to identify themes and subthemes regarding the study aims. SETTING: The study was conducted at Monash Medical Centre, a tertiary care center in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and seventy-six undergraduate medical and nursing students attended the workshop, consisting of 144 fourth-year medical students (enrolled in a 5-year course) and 32 second-year nursing student volunteers (enrolled in a 3-year course). RESULTS: Analysis of how students' prior surgical experiences impacted their perspective on surgery revealed 5 themes: inclusive mentors and role models, learning through active participation, feeling unwelcome or intimidated, demands of the surgical lifestyle, and personal factors that influenced interest in surgery as a career.Most students reported that the workshop had a beneficial effect on their perception of surgery as a career. Analysis of student responses found 3 themes that affected the impact of the workshop on their interest in surgery: simulated practice of technical skills, exposure to nontechnical aspects of surgery, and simulation fidelity. CONCLUSIONS: Interprofessional, simulated-based surgical skills workshops may improve medical and nursing students' perceptions of surgery as a career, and should be considered for inclusion in undergraduate medical and nursing curricula.

Surgery during pregnancy - results of a German questionnaire.

OBJECTIVES: Worldwide, not only the number of female medical students, but also of female surgeons increases. Simultaneously, younger generations take a closer look to their work-life balance. With this in mind, it seems necessary to evaluate the expectations of female surgeons in particular with respect to pregnancy during their surgical career. METHODS: Therefore, a nationwide survey was conducted in Germany from July to December 2016 under the auspices of the German Society of Surgery as well as the Professional Board of German Surgeons. The questionnaire involved 2,294 female surgeons and 1,843 complete records were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the analyzed answers, 62% of the women (n=781) were operating during pregnancy. The joy of surgery (91.6%), followed by team spirit (57.1%), were the main motivations to perform operations while pregnant. Operative activity decreased from 30.8% in the first 3 months of pregnancy to 21.5% during the last three months. Regarding the possible complaints, e.g., leg edema, back pain, premature labor and vaginal bleeding, there were no significant differences between the women with or without activity in the operating room. Sick leave due to pregnancy (1-10 days) was stated by 40.4% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Despite strong legal regulations for pregnant surgeons, the survey showed that most female surgeons are eager to operate despite their pregnancy. The results also demonstrate no significant differences regarding complications during pregnancy- or pregnant-dependent absence from work. Hospitals and surgical departments are asked to establish proper working conditions for pregnant surgeons and pregnancy should not be an obstacle for a career in surgery.

A woman's place is in theatre: women's perceptions and experiences of working in surgery from the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland women in surgery working group.

OBJECTIVE: Surgery remains an inherently male-dominated profession. The aim of this study was to survey women working within the discipline, to understand their current perceptions, providing insight into their practical day-to-day lives, supporting an action-oriented change. DESIGN AND SETTING: The link to a confidential, online survey was distributed through the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) social media platforms on Facebook and Twitter over a 2-week period in October 2017. PARTICIPANTS: Women working in surgical specialties and actively responding to the link shared through the ASGBI social media platforms. No patients were involved in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were analysed through a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis was undertaken using a constant comparative analysis of the participants' comments, to identify salient patterns (themes). RESULTS: A total of 81 female participants replied (42% response rate based on the Facebook group members), with 88% (n=71) perceiving surgery as a male-dominated field. Over half had experienced discrimination (59%, n=47), while 22% (n=18) perceived a 'glass ceiling' in surgical training. Orthopaedics was reported as the most sexist surgical specialty by 53% (n=43). Accounts of gendered language in the workplace were reported by 59% (n=47), with 32% (n=25) of surveys participants having used it. Overall, a lack of formal mentorship, inflexibility towards part-time careers, gender stereotypes and poor work-life balance were the main perceived barriers for women in surgical careers. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the implicit nature of the perceived discrimination that women report in their surgical careers. The ASGBI acknowledges these perceptual issues and relative implications as the first of many steps to create an action-oriented change by allowing all staff, regardless of gender, to reflect on their own behaviour, perceptions and the culture in which they work.

Effect of Community and Academic Surgical Rotation Sites on Medical Student Performance Outcomes and Career Choices.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that students exposed to both academic and community surgery clerkship sites will have higher National Board of Medical Examiners Subject Exam in Surgery (NBME SES) scores and be more likely to pursue a career in a surgical specialty. DESIGN: The NBME surgery subject exam scores and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) results were collected for all medical students rotating through the surgery clerkship over 4 years. Permutations of sites were analyzed against exam scores and match rates into surgical and nonsurgical specialties. SETTING: This study was performed at the Tulane University School of Medicine, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America. PARTICIPANTS: Data for a total of 910 students rotating through the surgery clerkship over a period of 4 years was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in NBME subject exam scores (p = 0.44) or match rates into a surgical specialty (p = 0.13) as stratified by site placement. Average NBME surgery subject exam scores were higher for those pursuing a surgical specialty (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of sites experienced during the surgery clerkship did not affect NBME surgery subject exam scores nor lead to a tendency to match into a surgical specialty.

Undergraduate basic surgical skills education: impact on attitudes to a career in surgery and surgical skills acquisition.

INTRODUCTION: Basic surgical skills modules in medical education are effective in teaching skills and increasing confidence among students approaching surgery. However, these modules are not delivered universally and their effect on the professional development of graduates has not been established. We aimed to assess the impact of a 10-week basic surgical skills module on attitudes and technical skills of first year medical students compared to interns. METHODS: Eighteen students participated and were assessed using a 4-part questionnaire. Technical skills were assessed by observing students perform a basic interrupted suture, using the objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) tool. Fourteen interns were recruited. RESULTS: Students were more confident in surgical scrubbing (mean score 4.0 vs. 2.86, p = 0.001), and performing a basic suture (4.05 vs. 1.93, p = 0.000), more enthusiastic about assisting with an operation (4.5 vs. 3.0, p = 0.001) and more likely to consider a career in surgery (4.16 vs. 2.28, p = 0.000). Technical skills were greater in the student group (mean score 30.8 vs. 19.6, p = 0.001). Five interns had taken part in surgical skills modules as undergraduates. Their technical skills were significantly higher compared to interns who had not (n = 9) (28.8 vs. 14.5, p = 0.006), and they were more likely to consider a career in surgery (3.6 vs. 1.5, p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The introduction of surgical skills teaching to the undergraduate medical curriculum has a positive impact on students' attitudes towards surgery and accelerates basic technical skills development. Consideration should be given to development of a standardised undergraduate core curriculum in basic surgical skills teaching.

Can a one-day practical lesson in surgical skills encourage medical students to consider a surgical career?

Interest in a surgical career is declining among medical students, and many more need to commit themselves to becoming surgeons to cope with this. We have therefore developed a one-day practical lesson in surgical skills to find out whether a short course such as this can make students more enthusiastic about surgery, and about subsequently pursuing a career in one of its subspecialties. Fifty-four randomly-selected medical students did a one-day practical course in the skills required for maxillofacial surgical specialties. The 4 subdivisions involved - traumatology, resection of a tumour (cancer surgery), plastic surgery (microsurgery), and cleft lip and palate surgery. All students took written tests and completed an evaluation form about their interest in a surgical career before and after training. There was a significant increase in test scores in almost all categories at the end of the course, and significantly more students were prepared to consider a surgical career or a career in maxillofacial surgery after the training. This study shows that a one-day training course in surgical skills can significantly improve medical students' surgical knowledge, and might encourage them to enter a surgical career. We recommend the integration of a short training course such as this into the medical school curriculum. Only time and further evaluation will tell whether this increased exposure to surgical techniques can be transformed into additional surgeons.