An Otolaryngology Elective Course Initiative for Pre-Clinical Medical Students

To assess the impact of a pre-clinical elective course on medical students' engagement with and understanding of the field of otolaryngology.

Between February and April 2024, seven virtual lectures were delivered by otolaryngologists from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The course was designed for pre-clinical medical students and included sessions on various otolaryngology subspecialties, with one lecture focused on challenging cases. Pre- and post-course surveys, administered anonymously, assessed students' engagement and understanding of otolaryngology using a five-point Likert scale. Demographic data were collected in the pre-course survey; course feedback was collected post-course. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze changes in responses.

Ten (83%) out of 12 registered students completed both surveys. 90% (n = 9) of respondents were first-year medical students and 60% (n = 6) identified as women. 100% (n = 10) of participants reported that this elective was their first structured course offering exposure to otolaryngology. A significant increase was noted in understanding the role of otolaryngologists (p < 0.01), knowledge of when to consult an otolaryngologist (p < 0.01), familiarity with otolaryngology compared to other specialties (p < 0.05), understanding of its training pathway (p < 0.01), and recognition of its subspecialties (p < 0.01).

A pre-clinical elective in otolaryngology provides early exposure, deepening students' understanding of the specialty, its pathologies, and procedures, and preparing them for a potential career in this competitive field.

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