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A Self-Directed Preclinical Course in Ophthalmic Surgery
Dominic J Wu1, Paul B Greenberg2
1Division of Ophthalmology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Journal of Surgical Education
|December 26, 2015
Summary
A preclinical ophthalmology elective improved medical students' knowledge of ophthalmic surgery. The course enhanced career exploration and understanding of ophthalmology, with practical aspects and virtual simulation being most popular.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Training
Background:
- Medical students often have limited preclinical exposure to ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery.
- This limits early career exploration in the field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a self-directed preclinical elective course in ophthalmic surgery.
- To address the gap in early ophthalmology education and career exposure for medical students.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving first- and second-year medical students.
- The course included web-based modules, virtual surgery simulation, and clinical shadowing.
- Anonymous pre- and post-course questionnaires assessed knowledge and career interest.
Main Results:
- 18 out of 22 students (81.8%) completed the course.
- Students showed significant knowledge improvement, scoring 97.0% post-module vs. 44.0% pre-module.
- Most students (76.5%) reported inadequate curriculum exposure and found practical aspects and virtual simulation most valuable.
Conclusions:
- The preclinical elective successfully increased medical students' knowledge of ophthalmic surgery.
- Flexible preclinical electives can facilitate earlier exploration of clinical interests and career choices.
