<p>Development of a “Surgical Shadowing Scheme” to improve undergraduate experiences of surgery</p>

Abstract

Purpose To establish a sustainable model for a “Surgical Shadowing Scheme” (SSS) and assess how this affects undergraduate attitudes to surgical careers. Patients and methods Surgeons at university teaching hospitals associated with UCL Medical School and UCL Partners, United Kingdom, were approached for their willingness to participate in the scheme. Medical students were then invited to apply for the scheme, where students were individually matched to operating theater sessions with surgeons in their specialty of choice. Feedback was subsequently obtained, evaluating experiences of the placement and the effect this had on future career aspirations. Results After running for four consecutive years, approximately 220 students have participated in the scheme across a range of surgical units and specialties. A total of 91.5% of the students were pre-clinical (years 1–3), whilst the remainder were clinical (years 4–6). Fifty-four percent were female and 46% male. Eighty-three percent of the students did not have any previous experience of the specialty that they shadowed, and 67% agreed that participating in the scheme had either “increased” or “strongly increased” their desire to pursue a surgical career. Ninety-four percent said they would “recommend” or “strongly recommend” the SSS to a peer. Over a third of students reported scrubbing-up during their placements and 35% of these directly assisted the lead surgeon. Traditionally male-dominated surgical sub-specialties recruited a high proportion of female students. Conclusion This is the first published example of an established “Surgical Shadowing Scheme” for medical undergraduates. Our SSS has been highly valued by students and indicates that even a single high-quality surgical exposure is sufficient to increase the desire of undergraduates to pursue a surgical career. We hope that this SSS will act as a blueprint for other centers to develop their own shadowing schemes, in turn helping to ensure that surgery continues to inspire and attract the very best candidates for the future.

Live‐streaming surgery during COVID‐19 using a 3D printed camera

“…In our study, one student commented ‘sharing the experience of complex cases throughout the group rather than just a luck of the draw style game of chance was beneficial’. This is also reflected in the literature where students being matched to theatre sessions improve access and exposure to high‐quality surgical teaching and makes pursuit of a surgical career more likely 11 …”

“…This is also reflected in the literature where students being matched to theatre sessions improve access and exposure to high‐quality surgical teaching and makes pursuit of a surgical career more likely. 11 …”

Goals, organizational change, advocacy, diversity literacy, and sustainability: A checklist for diversity in cardiothoracic surgery training programs

“…For example, some institutions sponsor housing or transportation for UIM students and trainees to interview or attend a second-look visit to any residency in their system. 12 Other potential strategies that can be shared among training programs within an institution include the development of websites and recruitment materials that highlight the diversity mission and policies of the institution 22 and outreach and mentorship programs to attract underrepresented populations such as pipeline programs, 23 "surgical shadowing schemes," 24 or funded sub-internship opportunities. 25 Some training programs have successfully used outside consultants to engage faculty and trainees in sensitive and sometimes emotional discussions about bias and discrimination.…”

Physician Shadowing: An Essential Practice in Fostering the Doctors of Tomorrow

“…They found that even a single high-quality surgical exposure is sufficient to increase the desire of undergraduates to pursue a surgical career. 4…”

“…However, finding shadowing experiences is challenging, as the increased administrative burden can disincentivize physicians from offering these opportunities. 4 Also, there are ethical considerations due to the potential impact on the physician-patient relationship. Importantly, students from underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds have even less opportunities than their peers.…”