Twelve tips to maximise medical student exposure during surgical placements

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• Surgical education
• undergraduate
• research
• simulation
• skills

Disclosure statement

The authors, UR, MSAA, AS have no declarations of interest to report.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Usman Raja

Usman Raja is in his penultimate year of medical school at King’s College London. He has interests in medical education and surgery.

Mohammad S. A. Amin

Mohammad S. A. Amin is a final year medical student at King’s College London and an aspiring orthopaedic surgeon with experiences in surgical research and education.

Ahmed Soualhi

Ahmed Soualhi is a final year medical student at King's College London with an interest in pursuing a career in academic urology.