How can we raise awareness and educate medical undergraduate students about OMFS?

Abstract

In recent years there has been a rise in medicine-first graduates pursuing a career within OMFS, yet many studies report that undergraduate medical students lack sufficient knowledge about the specialty. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that online methods of delivering undergraduate education are successful. We organised an online conference that comprised six lectures covering common clinical problems that OMF surgeons encounter, and the academic pathway. Delegates were asked to complete an optional pre/post-conference survey which aimed to assess students’ interest in the specialty and their attitudes to online conferences. Participants were invited to undertake a semi-structured interview about their attitudes towards the use of online conferences and their ideas about how to interest students further. The interview was thematically analysed. The pre-conference and post-conference questionnaires were answered by 21 and 22 participants, respectively. The demographic consisted largely of undergraduate medical students. Most participants reported increased interest in the specialty after the conference. The interest of delegates wanting to follow an academic pathway decreased. Fewer delegates after the conference believed that online conferences could replace in-person conferences. Five participants undertook a semi-structured interview. Key themes identified were: a lack of exposure drives a lack of interest in OMFS, a desire to learn more about the specialty, and in-person conferences provide more opportunities for delegates. Online conferences can be used to increase student interest in OMFS, but students value in-person conferences more. Students are keen to learn more about the specialty.