1052 National Undergraduate Surgical Conferences: A Holistic Approach to Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Aim The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of student-led holistic undergraduate surgical conferences in increasing exposure to surgery amidst a decline in the surgical curriculum. Method This study was carried during the National Surgical Society Congress between (18-19th January 2020). Questionnaires collecting qualitative and quantitative feedback were distributed to 85 students before and after the conference with the option of an opt-out email. A paired t-test was used to measure pre- and post-conference responses quantitatively with p < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. Results 85 students attended the conference; 55 (65%) filled out both questionnaires, 50.9% were in pre-clinical years, 46.6% were in clinical years and 5.5% were intercalating. The conference demonstrated a significant increase in both knowledge and confidence across the lectures and workshops respectively. In addition to this, the creative exhibition was rated as 4.03± 0.78 out of 5 and there was also a statistically significant increase (p = 0.83) in interest in entrepreneurship after the hackathon (2.33 → 3.16). Students did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in likelihood of pursuing a career in surgery pre- and post-conference but reported a significant increase in confidence with the surgical training pathways and opportunities. Conclusions Our study demonstrates significant learning potential of undergraduate surgical conferences. Overall, the purpose of the conference in fostering a holistic approach to surgery was achieved, empowering students with transferable knowledge and surgical skills and giving them confidence in understanding how to pursue a career in surgery.