Yellow wave: impact of a structured educational initiative on trauma education development

To evaluate the impact of the Yellow Wave Initiative on trauma surgery education, academic skills, career choices, and educational equity among medical students from three Brazilian medical schools.

This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 58 medical students from three institutions in Campinas, SP, Brazil. The intervention consisted of scientific mentorship, research methodology training, manuscript development for the 23rd European Congress of Trauma, and presentation skills workshops. Academic development, research capabilities, career intentions, and program satisfaction were assessed through post-congress electronic questionnaires using McNemar tests for paired comparisons and χ2 tests for associations.

Trauma league members showed higher interest in general surgery compared to non-members (61.5 vs. 22.7%, odds ratio = 10.88, p = 0.002). Significant improvements were observed across key academic skills post-intervention (all p < 0.001), including presentation abilities (from 20.8% good/very good pre to 85.4% post), research capabilities (25 to 79.2%), and academic writing (20.8 to 83.3%). Additionally, 62% of participants reported positive impact on their academic career aspirations (p = 0.006).

The initiative enhanced academic skills and career development among Brazilian medical students, increasing engagement in trauma surgery and prevention activities while addressing educational gaps through hands-on learning.