Harry V M Spiers1, Alexander Zargaran2, Aasim Nisar Murtaza2, Amal Thomas2, Mohammed Adil A Turki2, Farida Ali3. 1. St George׳s, University of London, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: m1106039@sgul.ac.uk. 2. St George׳s, University of London, London, United Kingdom. 3. St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Plastic surgery is underrepresented in medical school curricula. The St George׳s Surgical Society hosted a 1-day undergraduate course in plastic surgery. Our aim was to introduce students to plastic surgery and teach basic plastic surgical skills. METHODOLOGY: The skills day consisted of lectures from consultants and a core trainee followed by registrar-taught workshops in suturing, tendon repair, and local flap design. Precourse and postcourse questionnaires assessed perceptions of plastic surgery, confidence in performing basic plastic surgical skills, and usefulness of course components. RESULTS: Many perceptions of plastic surgery saw statistically significant changes. The belief that plastic surgery covers a wide range of specialties increased by 36% (p = 0.01). A -32% change (p = 0.00) was seen in the perception of plastic surgery only being pursued as a career for financial gain. Delegates reported greater confidence in all components of basic plastic surgical skills. The most useful activity was reported as performing surgical skills on real tissue. CONCLUSION: A 1-day course can significantly increase positive perceptions of plastic surgery, dispel preconceived false stereotypes, while improving student confidence in performing basic plastic surgery skills. It is important that university surgical societies provide opportunities for student education, to aid informed decisions about future careers.
INTRODUCTION: Plastic surgery is underrepresented in medical school curricula. The St George׳s Surgical Society hosted a 1-day undergraduate course in plastic surgery. Our aim was to introduce students to plastic surgery and teach basic plastic surgical skills. METHODOLOGY: The skills day consisted of lectures from consultants and a core trainee followed by registrar-taught workshops in suturing, tendon repair, and local flap design. Precourse and postcourse questionnaires assessed perceptions of plastic surgery, confidence in performing basic plastic surgical skills, and usefulness of course components. RESULTS: Many perceptions of plastic surgery saw statistically significant changes. The belief that plastic surgery covers a wide range of specialties increased by 36% (p = 0.01). A -32% change (p = 0.00) was seen in the perception of plastic surgery only being pursued as a career for financial gain. Delegates reported greater confidence in all components of basic plastic surgical skills. The most useful activity was reported as performing surgical skills on real tissue. CONCLUSION: A 1-day course can significantly increase positive perceptions of plastic surgery, dispel preconceived false stereotypes, while improving student confidence in performing basic plastic surgery skills. It is important that university surgical societies provide opportunities for student education, to aid informed decisions about future careers.
Authors: Dafna Shilo Yaacobi; Tal Shachar; Alex Lvovsky; Avi Cohen; Dean D Ad-El; Asaf Olshinka; Andrew E Grush; Eric Barel Journal: Semin Plast Surg Date: 2022-06-02 Impact factor: 2.195
Authors: Tareq Alyahya; Ossama Mohamed Zakaria; Faisal Ali Al Jabr; Saif Fahad Alshaikhmubarak; Abdulla Nidal; Ahmed Abdulwahab; Noor Sakan; Ahmad Sami Alarfaj; Bashayer Fawaz Al Furaikh Journal: SAGE Open Med Date: 2021-10-30