Recruitment into Academic Neurosurgery Using a Model for Successful Cross-Campus Research Collaboration: A Premedical Student Survey

Abstract

Recruitment of diverse and talented students to the field of neurosurgery is key to its continued growth and scientific advancement. Barriers, including poor perceptions and lack of early exposure, can impact recruitment and have been compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the impact of an inaugural Neurosurgery Research Consortium meeting on pre-medical students, assessing whether this exposure generated interest in and improved perceptions of a career in neurosurgery. Pre-medical students were recruited to virtually attend an inaugural Neurosurgery Research Consortium developed by the affiliated medical school's American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Student Chapter. Questionnaires were distributed to students before and after the meeting to assess student demographics and perceptions of neurosurgery. A total of 54 students attended the meeting, with general interest in neurosurgery, medicine, and research opportunities being the primary factors for attendance. Following the research meeting we found that students perceived neurosurgeons to be friendlier and more approachable, with a more positive quality of life. Overall perceptions of neurosurgery improved after the meeting, but perceptions among racial and ethnic minority students did not significantly change in the areas of diversity, inclusion, and equity. These results suggest recruitment strategies targeting undergraduate students may improve their perception of neurosurgery as a career, and may mitigate some barriers to entry. These strategies are cost effective and easily replicable, making an easily implementable approach to provide direct insight into neurosurgery for future medical students while also promoting academic efforts in the field of neurosurgery.