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Surgical trailblazers: Charting the course for first generation students interested in surgery
Jalee Birney1, Sarah E Adkins2, Dylan Vance3
1Baylor Scott & White Department of Neurosurgery, Temple, TX, USA.
Background:
First-generation college and medical students (FGS) have a laborious path to medical school graduation. Without guidance, many FGS face an increased "distance traveled" to become surgeons.
Methods:
During the 2021-2023 academic years, surgical subspecialty events were offered to pre-clinical students. Students were surveyed about first-generation status and their confidence in pursuing a surgical career.
Results:
Across twenty-two surgical events, 235 students participated, of which 57% (134) identified as FGS with only 3% (4) having previous surgical exposure and 10% (13) reporting initial interest in surgery. Of non-FGS 42% (42) had previous exposure and 66% (66) reported interest in surgery. Following the event, 79% (37) FGS reported confidence in pursuing surgery.
Conclusions:
These surgical subspecialty events offered many FGS a first exposure to surgery while increasing their confidence to pursue a surgical career. By building strong support networks, medical schools can support FGS as they contribute to the diversity of the surgical field.
