3D printed myringotomy and tube simulation as an introduction to otolaryngology for medical students.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical simulation models have been shown to improve surgical skill and confidence for surgical residents before real life procedures. Surgical simulators can be similarly applied in undergraduate medical education as a tool to introduce students to the field of otolaryngology. METHODS: Ear models were created using 3D printing and high-performance silicone. Twenty medical students participated in a slide presentation and a myringotomy tube simulation station, each completing a pre- and post-survey using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A previously validated 3D myringotomy simulator was used. Twenty medical student volunteers participated in the simulation including 14 first-year and 6 s-year medical students. None of the participating students reported observing myringotomy and placement of tympanostomy tubes before the session. Medical student participants rated their knowledge of the steps of the procedure and where to insert the tympanostomy tube at 2 (2 = disagree) or below with a mean of 1.35 SD = 0.47 and 1.2 SD = 0.41 respectively. At the completion of the educational session, the medical students rated their knowledge of the steps of the procedure as significantly improved at 4.45 SD = 0.6 (p = 0.00001). DISCUSSION: We found that medical students with no prior exposure to ear anatomy or surgical training were able to use the simulator as an introduction to the specialty. There was a perceived improvement in their medical knowledge and basics of a procedural skill. CONCLUSION: Medical schools can provide an inexpensive, safe, procedural practice tool using 3D printing as an introduction for students interested in surgical procedures.

A retrospective review of Paparella Type 1 tympanostomy tubes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to provide data on ear tube extrusion and complication rates for patients who have Paparella Type 1 tympanostomy tube (TT) placement. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients 6 months to 12 years old who underwent insertion of Paparella Type 1 TT by a single surgeon. RESULTS: Of 197 tubes evaluated, 3% were plugged between 1 and 3 months after surgery. Of the 144 tubes evaluated long-term, all tubes extruded within 4 years. There were no tympanic membrane perforations. CONCLUSIONS: This chart review showed expected rate of initial ear tube plugging. The rate of tympanic membrane perforation was lower than expected.

Otolaryngology interest groups: A potential solution to the residency match crisis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether medical student Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) interest groups increase student and resident interest in the specialty and influence decisions to apply to Oto-HNS residency. METHODS: Two web-based surveys were distributed by the Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at UConn Health: one to current medical students at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and the other to currents residents at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved otolaryngology training programs. RESULTS: Fifty medical students and 89 residents completed the surveys. Several components were assessed in these surveys, including factors contributing to the selection process, interest group availability, attendance of meetings, availability of otolaryngology mentors, and interest in the specialty. A majority of medical students noted that interest groups play a role in influencing their interest in a medical specialty (56%). Medical students who attended Oto-HNS interest group were more likely to consider applying for otolaryngology residency (P < .0001) and had improved understanding of otolaryngology than those that did not attend (P = .0003). Residents who attended interest group meetings were more likely to be influenced to apply to otolaryngology than those that did not attend. CONCLUSION: Oto-HNS interest groups improve medical student understanding of the specialty. Medical students and residents who participated in interest groups were more likely to be influenced positively regarding the specialty than those that did not attend. Oto-HNS interest groups may foster greater interest in otolaryngology residency and offer a potential solution to the current match concerns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: xx.