Investing in the Future: A Premedical Surgical Elective for Undergraduate Students

Research has shown that providing surgical exposure and mentorship before clerkship can bolster interest and cultivate quality surgical residents. However, most studies have focused exclusively on programs for 1^st and 2^nd year medical students. The purpose of this study is to describe a novel undergraduate premedical surgical elective (PMSE) and the interests and perceptions of PMSE participants of the surgical field.

Undergraduate students applied for a semester long PMSE that included surgical shadowing, mentorship, a research component, attendance at seminars, and hands-on workshops. Post-PMSE completion, participants were invited to complete an online survey about their perceptions of pursuing a career in surgery and their specialties of interest.

Thirty-six PMSE participants completed the survey (21 females and 15 males). More than half (57%) of female respondents expressed interest in a surgical career. Most respondents (78%) agreed or strongly agreed that they are confident in their ability to become a surgeon. A lower proportion of female respondents (33%) believed the atmosphere of the surgical field to be inclusive than males (53%). Males accumulated significantly more surgical shadowing hours than females (P < .05).

Findings from this study describe a novel PMSE at a large undergraduate institution. Survey data of PMSE participants revealed a high proportion of female respondents would like to pursue a career in surgery and reported confidence in achieving this. However, females perceived the field to be less inclusive than male respondents. Improving inclusivity may require increased focus and attention by PMSEs and surgical education programs.