Innovative introduction to surgery in the preclinical years

BACKGROUND: Lack of exposure to surgery in the preclinical years of medical school contributes to students' negative opinions of the field and to low application rates to categorical surgical programs. METHODS: Forty preclinical medical students attended a series of 16 seminars and practice sessions covering the gamut of surgical specialties and basic technical skills. Students were given a Likert format survey before and after taking the course. RESULTS: Students gave high ratings to course content (4.26/5) and lecturers (4.54/5). Students' confidence in their surgical skills doubled (1.45/5 to 3/5, P < .0001), and their perceived readiness for the surgical clerkship increased by 73% (1.63/5 to 2.82/5, P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: The preclinical years offer a promising venue for improving medical student interest and performance in surgery.