The role of student surgical interest groups and surgical Olympiads in anatomical and surgical undergraduate training in Russia

Abstract

Traditional department-based surgical interest groups in Russian medical schools are useful tools for student-based selection of specialty training. They also form a nucleus for initiating research activities among undergraduate students. In Russia, the Departments of Topographical Anatomy and Operative Surgery play an important role in initiating student-led research and providing learners with advanced, practical surgical skills. In tandem with department-led activities, student surgical interest groups prepare learners through surgical competitions, known as "Surgical Olympiads," which have been conducted in many Russian centers on a regular basis since 1988. Surgical Olympiads stimulate student interest in the development of surgical skills before graduation and encourage students to choose surgery as their postgraduate specialty. Many of the participants in these surgical Olympiads have become highly qualified specialists in general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, gynecology, and emergency medicine. The present article emphasizes the role of student interest groups and surgical Olympiads in clinical anatomical and surgical undergraduate training in Russia.

Can medical students accurately predict their learning? A study comparing perceived and actual performance in neuroanatomy

“…Applications for specialist training jobs place a value on winning competitions; in the UK the Duke Elder competition for ophthalmology is a good example of how competition success provides a competitive advantage for such applications (Joshi et al, ). In Russia, surgical Olympiads are run in stages throughout the country promoting self‐study and enhancing applications into surgical specialties (Dydykin and Kapitonova, ). In the UK, the National Undergraduate Neuroanatomy Competition (NUNC) was established in 2013 with the objectives of promoting student engagement and knowledge of neuroanatomy, as well as to provide medical students with an opportunity to improve their portfolios and develop their personal professional development for highly competitive specialist training applications (Hall et al, ).…”

Competition-based learning in medical school: A literature review

“…Student participation in competitions has proven to be effective in enhancing students' motivation towards specific subjects and improving academic achievement [4]. Through competitions, the creativity of medical students in applying their knowledge and practical skills is put to the test [6]. Competition also serve as a platform to identify talented students and nurture their abilities for future contributions to the field of medicine [13].…”

“…Several studies indicate that in a competitive environment, student's motivation to learn increases, leading to improved final grades. Additionally, this fosters collaboration and enhances self-confidence, as indicated by studies [3,4,5,6]. The aim of this review is to summarize the role and potential of competition-based learning in medical student's education.…”

Minimal number of procedures: resident’s point of view

“…In some countries, including Russia and Belarus, medical universities hold competitions in surgical practical skills and theoretical knowledge among interested studentssurgical Olympiad (16). Such a type of optional surgical pregraduate training grew from the simplest procedures that were practiced in small student groups to a big international annual event where future doctors demonstrate advanced operations (vascular suturing, intestinal anastomoses, microsurgical techniques, video endoscopy) which are performed on simulators and animals (16,17). The aims of the Olympiad are to raise interest to surgical specialties, find talented youth and form a personnel reserve (17).…”