Inspiring future surgeons: comparing open vs laparoscopic simulated surgical skills

Abstract Background Applications to surgical training are declining. Whilst early introduction to surgical specialities may develop interest, medical schools do not place enough emphasis on the growing trend towards performing laparoscopic procedures. We hypothesised that exposing medical students to laparoscopy would stimulate an interest in pursuing a surgical career. Methods Clinical medical students were randomised into two groups: Laparoscopic skills with box trainer and open surgical skills. Each session lasted one hour and was organised and conducted by the same tutors. Prior to participation in the teaching session, each student completed a pre and post event questionnaires regarding their speciality interest. Results A total of 45 students participated. 18 (33%) expressed an interest in a surgical career prior to the event. After the session, 15/23 (65%) of students who participated in the laparoscopic skills session expressed an interest in a career in surgery. The open surgical skills group had a positive response from 9/22 (41%) with respect to a career in surgery. Conclusions Participation in our surgical skills course increased interest in pursuing a surgical career amongst clinical medical students. Of note, our laparoscopic skills session increased interest more in comparison to an open surgical skills session. Our study highlights the importance of introducing laparoscopy simulation to the medical school curriculum in order to maintain interest towards the surgical specialities.