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Student-selected components in surgery: providing practical experience and increasing student confidence

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Abstract

Introduction

Reviews of the medical school curriculum in the UK and Ireland have recommended the introduction of student-selected components (SSCs). The Department of Surgery in The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has introduced a 6-week surgical SSC, which aims to develop practical clinical skills, provide mentorship and prepare students for internship.

Methods

Emphasis was placed on exposure to surgical specialities, teaching practical skills and student integration into surgical teams. Students completed an online survey pre- and post-SSC, assessing attitudes towards the course and confidence in performing ward-based and surgical skills.

Results

The mean Likert scale scores increased for all the skills assessed. Students felt that the SSC prepared them for their first day of work and strengthened their desire to pursue surgical careers.

Conclusion

A surgical SSC has been successful in increasing student confidence in performing practical skills required for commencing work as a doctor. Provision of dedicated SSCs is likely to influence the career choice of students.

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Notes

  1. STATA Corporation, 4905 Lakeway Drive, TX, USA.

Abbreviations

GMC:

General Medical Council

SSC:

Student-selected components

IMC:

The Irish Medical Council

GCS:

Glasgow coma scale

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, Ireland

    G. A. Falk, W. B. Robb, W. H. Khan & A. D. K. Hill

Authors
  1. G. A. Falk
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  2. W. B. Robb
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  3. W. H. Khan
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  4. A. D. K. Hill
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. A. Falk.

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Falk, G.A., Robb, W.B., Khan, W.H. et al. Student-selected components in surgery: providing practical experience and increasing student confidence. Ir J Med Sci 178, 267–272 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0306-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-009-0306-8

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