Twelve tips to maximise medical student exposure during surgical placements

Surgery is a highly competitive specialty that offers a wide range of subspecialties. The presence of surgical education and rotations in the medical school curriculum is often lacking, and for this reason many medical students have little experience of surgery during their time in medical school. This paper presents twelve tips for medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in surgery, offering different ways of exposure into activities related to surgical care. Understanding the practice of surgery and self-reflecting on one's personality and suitability for a career in surgery are key. Moreover, surgical care is not only limited to the surgeon's table-other opportunities to learn more about surgery exist outside of the operating room. Extra-curricular activities in research and leadership are also vital in developing an interest in surgery and competitive edge in medical students.