Virtual Neurosurgery Education for Medical Students without Home Residency Programs: A Survey of 2020 Virtual Neurosurgery Training Camp Attendees

Abstract

To examine the perceived effectiveness of the virtual neurosurgery training camps (VNTC) among medical students with (HP) and without (NHP) home neurosurgery residency programs. A survey assessing demographics, baseline interests, and ratings of usefulness and interest of programming was sent to attendees after the VNTC. Ratings were quantified on modified 7-point Likert scales. Ratings were compared between attendees HP and NHP neurosurgery residency programs using Wilcoxon sum-rank or χ2 tests. A P value of 0.05 determined significance. There were 119 respondents, with 80 (67.2%) HP and 39 (32.8%) NHP students. Differences were observed between the groups for medical school type (P= 0.002), highest degree achieved (P= 0.030), previous participation in a Medical Student Neurosurgery Training Center event (P= 0.004), having a neurosurgery interest group (P < 0.001), and primary reason for VNTC attendance (P= 0.028). Increased interest in peripheral nerve neurosurgery was greater for the NHP (P= 0.047) but not neurosurgery or other subspecialties. A significant difference in usefulness of the different VNTC sessions was observed (P= 0.002), whereas none was seen in willingness to pursue neurosurgery (P= 0.33), likelihood of taking a year off (P= 0.44), and preparedness for subinternships (P= 0.57) or applications (P= 0.77). The 2020 VNTC benefited both HPO and NHP medical students, but there were differences in perceived usefulness of virtual education. Future initiatives should continue to be tailored toward disadvantaged students.