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Surgical Education and the Longitudinal Model at the Columbia-Bassett Program
Gregory Charak1, Jake G Prigoff1, Steven Heneghan2
1Department of Surgery, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York.
Journal of Surgical Education
|March 21, 2020
Summary
A longitudinal surgical curriculum improved medical students' test scores and career interest compared to a standard clerkship. This approach offers superior outcomes in both academic performance and student perception of surgical careers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
Background:
- Traditional surgical clerkships often follow a block model.
- Evaluating innovative curricula is crucial for improving medical education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a longitudinal surgical curriculum for medical students.
- To compare student outcomes between longitudinal and standard block surgical clerkships.
Main Methods:
- A case-controlled study comparing students in a longitudinal surgical curriculum with those in a standard 12-week clerkship.
- Data collection included exam scores and qualitative student experiences.
- Participants were medical students from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons (2012-2015).
Main Results:
- Students in the longitudinal curriculum achieved higher scores on the national shelf exam (77 vs. 71, p=0.001).
- Longitudinal students reported more direct learning from attending surgeons.
- A greater interest in surgical careers was observed among students in the longitudinal program.
Conclusions:
- The longitudinal surgical curriculum is non-inferior or superior to the block model in terms of testing outcomes.
- This model enhances students' attitudes and perceptions regarding surgical careers.
- Longitudinal training shows promise for improving surgical education and fostering future surgeons.