A Surgeon Led Clinically Focused Anatomy Course Increases Student Selection of General Surgery As a Career

Abstract

This study aims to identify program-specific critical factors in a student's path to general surgery and how different factors contribute to our high rate of matriculation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted focusing on critical factors in student's decision processes to pursue general surgery. Three investigators independently evaluated the transcripts and identified recurring themes based on phenomenological qualitative methods until saturation was achieved. Inter-rater reliability was determined. The study took place at Tulane University School of Medicine, an academic medical center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Current fourth-year students from our medical school, applying into general surgery, were interviewed for the study. Twelve of 21 students were interviewed. The most common factor cited was the positive effect of clinically based anatomy and of having surgeons in anatomy (81%). Other factors mentioned included interest before medical school, clerkship experience, and mentor interactions; Kappa was 0.76 or higher for each theme. A clinically focused anatomy course led by surgeons at our institution has a significant impact on a general surgery career choice. With the constant evolution of the medical field, understanding what guides students toward a career in general surgery will better assist medical education planners in providing resources that will positively impact future classes.