Abstract
ObjectiveTo describe and assess the educational value of a functional neurosurgery clinical shadowing and research tutorial for pre-medical trainees.DesignProgram participants observed functional neurosurgery procedures and conducted basic science and clinical research in neurosurgery fields. Former participants completed a brief online survey to evaluate their perspectives and experiences throughout the tutorial.SettingDepartment of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.Participants15 pre-medical and post-baccalaureate trainees participated in the tutorial. All former tutorial participants were emailed.Results11/15 former participants responded to the survey. Survey results suggest that the tutorial program increased participants’ understanding of and interest in neurosurgery and related fields in neuroscience.ConclusionsThe functional neurosurgery medical tutorial provides valuable clinical and research exposure in neurosurgery fields for pre-medical trainees. Our work is a preliminary step in addressing the crucial challenge of training the next generation of neurosurgeon-scientists by providing a pedagogical paradigm for development of formal experiences that integrate original scientific research with clinical neurosurgery exposure.
Highlights
Predicated by its clinically relevant nature, translational research has long been amenable to surgeon scientists pursuing novel interventions or understanding of pathology
A previously instituted shadowing program for trauma surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital was successful at significantly increasing interest in trauma surgery for students not previously planning a career in trauma surgery, as well as increasing the percent of students planning to match into a surgical specialty [6]
Academic physician-scientists with dual training in basic science and clinical medicine are at the forefront of bench-to-bedside research to translate basic science discoveries of disease mechanisms into novel therapeutic avenues that improve patient outcomes
Summary
Predicated by its clinically relevant nature, translational research has long been amenable to surgeon scientists pursuing novel interventions or understanding of pathology. Design: Program participants observed functional neurosurgery procedures and conducted basic science and clinical research in neurosurgery fields.
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