Cross sectional analysis of student-led surgical societies in fostering medical student interest in Canada

Background The objective of this study was to examine how surgery interest groups (SIGs) across Canada function and influence medical students’ interest in surgical careers. Methods Two unique surveys were distributed using a cross sectional design. The first was sent to SIG executives and the second to SIG members enrolled at a Canadian medical school in the 2016/17 academic year. The prior focused on the types of events hosted, SIG structure/ supports, and barriers/ plans for improvement. The second questionnaire focused on student experience, involvement, and suggestions for improvement. Results SIG executives became involved in SIG through classmates and colleagues (8/17, 47%). Their roles focused on organizing events (17/17, 100%), facilitating student contact with resident/surgeons (17/17, 100%), and organizing funding (13/17, 76%). Surgical skills events were among the most successful and well received by students (15/17, 88%). Major barriers faced by SIG executives during their tenure included time conflicts with other interest groups (13/17, 76%), lack of funding (8/17, 47%), and difficulty booking spaces for events (8,17, 47%). SIGs were found to facilitate improvement in basic surgical skills ( μ = 3.89/5 ± 0.70) in a comfortable environment ( μ = 4.02/5, ±0.6), but were not helpful with final block examinations ( μ = 2.98/5, ±0.80). Members indicated that more skills sessions, panel discussion and shadowing opportunities would be beneficial additions. Overall, members felt that SIGs increased their interest in surgical careers ( μ = 3.50/5, ±0.79). Conclusion Canadian SIGs not only play a critical role in early exposure, but may provide a foundation to contribute to student success in surgery.