What We Learned from the Experience of an Introduction to Surgery Class for First Grade Premedical Students

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In order to enhance the goal of premedical education, we developed new clinical educational course of surgery for first-grade premedical students. METHODS: In 2015, from September 4th to December 18th, the educational performance records of firstgrade premedical students were evaluated, who attended the new, optional major class Introduction to surgery for future doctors. The non-compliance score was calculated as the sum of the total frequency of absences, number of late arrivals to class, and failure to submit the pre-lecture homework. This score was correlated with students' educational performance records. The premedical students' feed-back about this new class was summarized. RESULTS: Among 79 first-grade premedical students at Yonsei University College of Medicine, 43 premedical students (54.4%) chose to attend the new class. Premedical students' individual non-compliance scores were inversely and significantly correlated to written test performance (R²=0.237, p=0.001). In survey analysis, the mean score for premedical students' course satisfaction was 8.6. They strongly suggested this new educational course should be continued for first-grade premedical students with a mean rating of 9.1. Premedical students were very impressed and satisfied by laparoscopic surgical simulation and visiting the operating room, with ratings of 9.7 and 9.3, respectively. CONCLUSION: This class is the first movement to introduce the surgery to the premedical students in Yonsei University. In spite of their scanty medical knowledge, this clinical class can provide positive influence on educational motivation as premedical students. Further modification of this class is mandatory based on what we learned from this educational experience.