Specialty Interest Research Articles

Characterizing the early relationship between covert narcissism and cognitive empathy in medical students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIn medicine, empathy refers to a predominantly cognitive attribute (rather than an emotional one), which is important as a foundation for positive physician–patient relationships. Physicians with a narcissistic personality trait have an assortment of characteristics that undermine their interpersonal functioning in clinical encounters with their patients. Evidence suggests an inverse relationship between empathy and certain characteristics of a narcissistic personality trait in general population. The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between cognitive empathy and covert narcissistic personality trait in newly enrolled medical students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in a Mexican school of medicine during the COVID-19 lockdown. The study sample included first-year medical students attending on-line classes. The Spanish version for medical students of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S), and the Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale (HSNS), were used as measures of cognitive empathy and covert narcissism, respectively. In addition, gender, age, speciality interest, and semester of enrolment were collected. Comparative, correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed among the variables analysed.ResultsIn a sample of 283 students (207 females), differences in cognitive empathy and covert narcissism were observed by gender (p < 0.001). Comparison analyses showed that covert narcissism was greater in students enrolled after one semester attending on-line classes than those who were starting their first semester (p = 0.01). A correlation analysis confirmed an inverse association between empathy and covert narcissism (ρ=–0.23; p < 0.001). Based on this, a multiple regression model was created explaining 12% of the variance of covert narcissism based on a lineal regression with empathy (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.01), and semester (p = 0.003). This model complied with the necessary conditions for statistic inference and showed an effect size from medium to large.ConclusionsThese findings provide novel information of the relationship between cognitive empathy and covert narcissism in newly enrolled medical students.

The Myers-Briggs type indicator association with United States medical student performance, demographics, and career values

BackgroundThe Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a self-reported personality test that has continued to gain popularity and traction across industries. The MBTI assesses individuals within four dichotomous categories corresponding to ways to, ultimately, assign one of sixteen personality types. Prior studies indicate that physicians trended towards certain personality traits and medical students with a particular trait performed lower academically. Due to the recency of these studies, however, there is a substantial knowledge gap in the relationship between medical student MBTIs and academic performance, demographics, and career interests. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate this relationship amongst 4-year allopathic U.S. medical students and determine if there is substantial correlation to implement MBTI results in creating personalized student support services in school curriculum.MethodsThis study was a single institution, cross-sectional study of 83 medical students. A survey was emailed to all students with the MBTI personality test paper edition, in addition to questions regarding specialty interest, learning style preference, and career values. Each student’s responses were de-identified after pairing with the respective students’ academic performance data and demographic information. Chi-square tests were used to compare MBTI data with categorical data such as demographic characteristics while independent sample t-tests were used to compare MBTI data with numerical variables like academic performance.ResultsOur findings suggest statistically significant associations between Introversion (I) with older age and Thinking (T) with male students. Additionally, Thinking (T) students performed better academically, valued variety in patient care (breadth of patients and pathologies seen), and the specific type of patient contact (longitudinal vs. short-term, etc.). Conversely, Feeling (F) students trended towards people-oriented specialties. Regarding learning styles and study environments, Extroverted (E) and Judging (J) types preferred hands-on learning, though Judging (J) types also preferred a quiet environment. No other statistically significant differences were found amongst the remaining variables.ConclusionMedical schools should utilize student MBTI results to individualize student academic and career support as our study indicates various significant associations between some of the personality types. While not a “one-size-fits-all,” the MBTI can be used as a potential starting point for specialty exploration and learning styles.

Registrars as teachers: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of Australian general practice registrars in teaching roles

BackgroundGP registrars (specialist vocational trainees in general practice) are interested in teaching, and there are considerable benefits to teaching during training. There are, however, significant barriers for registrars as teachers, including inadequate funding, time pressures, and limited teacher training. Current evidence does not include medical educator (ME) perspectives or compare teaching settings (e.g. university vs. in-practice). Further evidence is needed to inform programs supporting registrar teaching roles.This project aimed to explore the experiences of Australian GP registrars as teachers in different contexts and from multiple stakeholder perspectives.MethodsA qualitative study with GP registrars, GP supervisors, MEs, and medical students was conducted. Participants were registrars and new (within 12 months) Fellows with teaching experience during training, supervisors who supervised a registrar in the preceding 12 months, Royal Australian College of General Practitioner MEs, and medical students with experiences of being taught by registrars. Recruitment was open to participants nationwide and sampling was purposive, aiming for a maximum variation sample. Data collection was performed via videoconference and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsInterviews were conducted with 15 registrars, 10 supervisors, and one ME. Two focus groups involved four MEs and five medical students respectively. Registrar participants taught in a variety of settings, including in-practice, universities, hospitals, and at educational workshop days. Three had experience in GP academic posts and one as a registrar ME. There were four major themes. 1) Near-peer teaching by registrars is valuable - both for medical students and registrars. 2) Teaching makes you a better GP - participants noted the transferability of teaching skills to clinical practice. 3) The importance of the teaching context– this was identified as an important determinant for registrars in teaching roles. 4) Registrar teaching strengthens the GP workforce – participants noted that teaching could elevate general practice as a specialty and increase interest in GP training.ConclusionsStudy participants saw teaching as a core skill for GPs, with transferability to their clinical practice. Registrar participants wanted greater promotion and support for teaching opportunities that counted towards attainment of Fellowship. These findings have implications for teaching practices, MEs, universities, and training providers.

WP4.19 - The Emergency General Surgeon: what is their current operative role?

Abstract Aims Determine the current operative role of dedicated Emergency General Surgery (EGS) surgeons in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Methods A live interactive online survey, designed and endorsed by ASGBI, was completed by attendees at two ASGBI conferences in 2023. The study was conducted according to CHERRIES and exempt from REC according to HRA. Consent was obtained from study participants, who were asked which surgeons usually perform the most common EGS operations in their hospital. Results The survey was completed by 156/371 eligible participants, of which 132 responses were analysed once duplicate responses (n=16), and non-UK/ROI respondents (n=8), were excluded. Participants included consultants (34%), surgical trainees (42%), and other doctors (23%), 61% were male and 39% were female, aged between 25 and 69. The general surgeon on-call – or a dedicated EGS surgeon, where such service exists – operates on the majority of EGS pathology through an un-selected take. A surgeon with the relevant sub-specialty interest usually operates on emergency non-traumatic complex upper gastrointestinal or colorectal pathology. These include emergency colonic resections for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and operations for gastric volvulus, bariatric complications, and Boerhaaves. Acute cholecystectomy forms a major part of a dedicated EGS surgeon’s practice. Conclusions Dedicated EGS surgeons deliver a wide variety of operations, in addition to the peri-operative management of acute surgical patients. Future curriculum design and NHS workforce planning should reflect this service delivery pattern, should EGS become a recognised specialty interest.

Factors Influencing Medical Students' Decision in Choosing a Surgical Specialty.

The decision to pursue a career in surgery among medical students is influenced by various factors, including personal preferences, perceptions of the specialty, and educational experiences. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing challenges and fostering interest in surgical specialties. This study analyzed data from 889 medical students to explore demographic characteristics and factors influencing their decisionregarding pursuing a surgical career. Participants completed surveys regarding their gender, academic year, GPA, and intentions regarding surgical careers. Factors influencing career were assessed using closed-ended questions, with both deterrents and motivators considered. The study found a higher proportion of female participants (63.1%) compared to male participants (36.9%). Factors influencing participants' decisionnot to pursue a surgical career included a preference for other specialties (61.8%), a dislike for the lifestyle of surgeons (51.3%), and perceptions of long training durations (33.7%). Conversely, interest in the specialty (71.0%) and a preference for hands-on work (55.6%) were significant motivators for pursuing a surgical career. Additional factors such as concerns about the competitive environment, dislike for hands-on work, and perceptions regarding salary and work environment also emerged as notable considerations. The findings highlight the importance of addressing misconceptions, providing mentorship, and promoting diversity within surgical specialties to encourage interest and diversify the surgical workforce. The study found a high interest in surgical specialty among Saudi medical students; however, some barriers were identified, particularly work-home relations, gender disparity, and pressure put on surgeries.

Factors Influencing Medical Students' Choice of Anesthesiology as a Future Specialty in Saudi Arabia.

Background According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), anesthesiologists are experts in administering anesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. In addition, they provide general perioperative care. Personal interests, career stability, reputation, income, and clinical rotation experience influence medical students' career choices. Studies show that anesthesiology remains one of the least popular specialties among Saudi medical students. Our study aims to determine the preference for anesthesiology among Saudi medical students and the factors influencing their career choice options. Methodology This cross-sectional study was implemented by distributing a self-administered verified survey. Results Our study included 532 medical students, predominantly female (n=344, 64.7%), aged 18-24 years (n=424, 79.7%), and Saudi nationals (n=508, 95.5%). Most were single (n=500, 94%) without children (n=522, 98.1%). A majority were not interested in anesthesiology as a future specialty (n=297, 55.8%), with some uncertainty (n=148, 27.8%) and a smaller interested group (n=87, 16.4%). Controllable lifestyle (n=294, 55.3%) and financial income (n=213, 40%) were critical factors for choosing anesthesiology as a specialty. Interest in another specialty (n=342, 64.3%) and stress (n=286, 53.8%) were significant opposing factors. Academic year significantly affected consideration (p<0.001), with second-year students showing the highest interest (61.8%) and sixth-year the lowest (24.8%). Other factors showed no significant association. Conclusion Our study reveals low interest in anesthesiology among Saudi medical students. A controllable lifestyle and financial income are key attractions. Interest declines significantly by the sixth year due to their interest in other specialties, lifestyle concerns, and stress.

Creating a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Organization for Medical Students

Background: We developed CAP+ (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Plus), a student organization dedicated to help students discover their specialty interests, successfully match into psychiatry/CAP, foster community outreach, and increase awareness about local mental health resources. Methods: CAP+ hosted six lecture events and organized four service events. CAP+ created our school’s first psychiatry mentorship program between senior medical students and junior students and hosted a mentorship game night. Additionally, CAP+ organized clinic shadowing in developmental psychiatry to increase awareness of CAP and provide mentorship opportunities for pre-clerkship students. Results: CAP+ has members in the email list (n=46) and GroupMe chat (n=74). The mentorship program consisted of 11 mentorship pairs (8 mentors, 11 mentees), with three mentors taking two mentees. Speaker events featured IM/Psychiatry, Psychiatry/Pediatrics/CAP, and CAP. Positive feedback was obtained regarding developmental psychiatry shadowing. Through community outreach, we distributed local mental health resources and engaged children and families in emotional labeling. Conclusion: We hope to continue to create a supportive environment to engage trainees in CAP and community outreach.

Effect of anatomical studies prior to medical school on medical school anatomy study success and residency choice

IntroductionThere is little research on how medical school matriculants’ experiences prior to medical school effects their choice of specialty or performance in medical school. This research attempts to fill that gap in research in regards to surgical and radiological fields.MethodsAn anonymous survey was sent to fourth year medical students asking them their background in anatomy studies prior to medical school and their anatomy grades in medical school and interest in surgical and radiological fields. Students were also asked whether they identified with under-represented demographic groups in those specialties.ResultsPrior anatomy experience did not significantly affect performance in anatomy courses or Step 1 and Step 2 scores. However, students who applied to surgical specialties had higher performance in anatomical courses and higher Step 1 scores compared to those who did not apply to surgical specialties. There was interestingly no difference in under-represented and not under-represented student application to these fields.DiscussionFor shareholders interested in increasing medical student performance, or interest in specific specialties, more information needs to be gathered.

1170 Bridging the Gap in Surgical Robotics Education

Abstract Aim Despite rapid evolution of surgical robotics systems, training opportunities are very limited especially for medical students and junior doctors. We organised a free-of-charge regional robotics workshop in collaboration with CMR Surgical with the goal of increasing exposure to surgical robotics technology. We also evaluated the delegates’ perception on current surgical robotics training and the workshop. Method CMR Surgical was invited to exhibit their Versius® robot and Virtual-Reality trainer for a one-day workshop at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester. The workshop was advertised across universities and hospital trusts in East Midlands. Registration form included pre-workshop questionnaire which assessed the motivation and barriers to attending surgical robotics courses, and their familiarity with robotics surgery. After 1-hour hands-on exercise supervised by consultants and CMR Surgical trainers, delegates were asked to complete post-workshop questionnaire to evaluate shift in familiarity, interest, and confidence in basic robotic skills. Results 75 delegates registered with 93% having never attended similar workshop before and the barriers were perceiving that robotics surgery skills are for advanced surgeons only (37%), cost (26%), no accessible courses (24%), time constraints (9%) and others (4%). The primary motivation to attend this workshop were learning basic robotic skills (49%), exploring innovative technology (44%) and networking (7%). 30 delegates were shortlisted for 1-hour hands-on experience into six groups consisting of 18 students and 12 junior doctors. Post-workshop feedback showed a positive shift in familiarity, interest, and confidence in basic robotic skills. Delegates also expressed increased interest in surgical specialties after this workshop. They also found VR station was enjoyable and believed it has potential in training future robotic surgeons. Conclusions These findings highlight the feasibility and importance of creating accessible training opportunities to bridge the gap in surgical robotics education.

814 If You Want to Go Far, Go Together: Student Perception of Joint Medical and Surgical Education Programmes

Abstract Aim Medical students have varied specialty interests which acts as a barrier to undergraduate engagement at specialty-specific conferences. The Tomorrow's Doctors 2023 conference, hosted at The Royal Society of Medicine, aimed to improve students’ understanding of current innovations across multiple medical and surgical specialties. The aim of this study is to determine student perception of a combined medical and surgical conference. Method The two-day conference consisted of 8 talks and 8 workshops. Feedback was collected following each day using online questionnaires. Each questionnaire was specific to the agenda of that day. Quantitative and qualitative feedback was collected on students’ perception of combined medical and surgical conferences for undergraduate students. Free-text responses underwent thematic analysis. Results There were 90 delegates on day one and 85 delegates on day two from 16 medical schools. Post-conference feedback was completed by 45 (50.0%) and 42 (49.4%) attendees for days one and two respectively. 82.2% of day one and 88.1% of day two respondents agreed that joint medical and surgical conferences were beneficial for medical students. Thematic analysis of post-conference free-text responses revealed the commonest themes for favouring joint medical and surgical conferences were ability to explore both medical and surgical interests (52.5%), supports career progression (27.5%) and practical application of knowledge gained (17.5%). Conclusions Our feedback demonstrates that joint medical and surgical conferences are perceived as beneficial by current medical students. Future undergraduate conferences should adopt a combined approach to allow students to explore their varied interests and subsequently facilitate informed specialty selection.

652 Inspiring Future Surgeons - Exploring Influences on Year 3 UK Medical Students' Interest in Surgical Specialties: A Thematic Analysis

652 Inspiring Future Surgeons - Exploring Influences on Year 3 UK Medical Students' Interest in Surgical Specialties: A Thematic Analysis

Education Research: What Medical Students Value in Neurology Residents: A Qualitative Study to Inform Resident as Teacher Curricula.

Residents are responsible for much of the formal and informal teaching of neurology clerkship medical students. High-quality resident teachers can enhance clerkship satisfaction, decrease neurophobia, and increase specialty interest. To train such residents, some institutions have developed resident as teacher (RAT) curricula. Existing RAT curricula are highly variable, partly because of our limited understanding of medical student attitudes and expectations regarding the qualities and skills of effective resident teachers. We sought to identify important themes in resident teaching, based on qualitative analysis of written evaluations by students, to better inform future RAT curricula in neurology. Clerkship student evaluations of residents from 2012 to 2023 at a single institution were collected and anonymized. The narrative comments were thematically coded using conventional content analysis in an iterative process of reconciliation and recoding. Randomly selected evaluations were analyzed in batches of 50 at a time until thematic saturation was achieved. A total of 200 evaluations yielded 6 themes with 27 subthemes: (1) Work-based learning, teaching and assessment: "sets expectations," "student involvement in care," "student autonomy over care," "helps students prepare/practice," "gives feedback," "mentorship and coaching," and "challenges students"; (2) Attitudes as teacher: "likes to teach," "made time to teach," "inspirational/fun," "patience," "approachability," and "learner-centric"; (3) Learning environment: "safety" and "clear communication"; (4) Role modeling: "knowledge," "skills," "attitudes," and "leadership"; (5) Content of teaching: "clinical skills," "medical knowledge," "nonmedical topics," and "directed to further learning"; and (6) Context of teaching: "bedside/in exam room," "attending rounds," "in workflow," and "break for teaching." The most prevalent subthemes were "student involvement in care," "gives feedback," "safety," "made time to teach," and "approachability." In their written evaluations of neurology residents, medical students identified many attributes, skills, and methods that led to a positive learning experience. Many of these themes highlighted the importance of residents facilitating work-based learning, cultivating the learning environment, and serving as role models rather than formal teaching activities alone. We provide recommendations for further RAT curricular development informed by these results. Using these findings, we further illustrate how residents influence the tripartite interaction between the learner, their subject, and their environment seen in existing learning theories.

Exploring Preclinical Medical Students' Experience Facilitating Group Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for a Student-Run Mental Health Clinic: A Qualitative Study.

This report explores the experiences of preclinical medical students who led group dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for a student-run LGBTQ + mental health clinic. In the clinic, experienced clinicians trained and supervised preclinical medical students to facilitate DBT groups. The authors conducted a qualitative study to understand the impact of the DBT groups on the student facilitators via semi-structured interviews, which were evaluated using thematic analysis. The clinic hosted nine iterations of group DBT facilitated by preclinical medical students, involving 18 student leaders and 30 patients. Twelve student facilitators were interviewed. Participants had a diverse array of specialty interests and were primarily motivated by the opportunity for early clinical experience. They reported improved clinical skills, increased appreciation of psychotherapy as a treatment modality, and increased interest in incorporating psychotherapy in their future practice. Furthermore, participants reported using DBT skills to cultivate wellbeing during clerkship year and in their personal lives. Offering preclinical medical students the opportunity to lead group DBT therapy is a novel educational model providing early training in psychotherapy techniques. This opportunity for early direct patient experience in a supervised group setting attracted medical students with a diverse range of specialty interests. This model provided medical students specific DBT skills to implement in future patient care interactions and to maintain their personal wellbeing throughout medical training. The broad appeal and lasting effects of this program may prove beneficial at other institutions.

The Influence of COVID on Emergency Medicine Career Choice: A Survey of Medical Students.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has led to substantial changes in the delivery of healthcare and medical education. Little is known about how the pandemic has altered medical students' perceptions in regard to career choice. Methods The authors developed and implemented a multi-center survey that evaluated medical students' preferred career choice before and during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the influence of pandemic-related factors on that choice. The survey was distributed to all levels of medical students (MS) at nine medical schools across the country from November 2020 to January 2021 and represented a convenience sample. Preferred career choice was assessed through the use of a Likert scale and additional factors affecting career choice were solicited.The degree of interest before and during the pandemic, as well as factors influencing the shift, were treated as ordinal variables and compared using chi-squared testing. Cohen's Kappa statistic was calculated to assess the degree of shifts of interest in Emergency Medicine among students. The study was deemed exempt by the Institutional Review Board at the host institution, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, and all participating sites. Results A total of 1431 of 6710 (21.3%) eligible students completed the survey. The COVID pandemic was cited as a reason for a changed interest in specialty by 193 (13.5%) students.The most common reason for specialty change was the students' clinical experience, followed by a desire to be on the front lines, and personal/family health concerns. There was a significant association between career change and degree of interest among students interested in emergency medicine (EM) as their future specialty before the COVID pandemic as well as during the COVID pandemic. Living with an immunocompromised individual had a significant association with a reducedinterest in EM. There was a significant association between EM rotation completion and how interested students were in EM as their future specialty before the COVID pandemic and during the COVID pandemic. Among EM-interested students whose specialty interest was changed by the COVID pandemic, 34 (41.5%) became less favorable to EM, 28 (34.2%) stayed the same, and 20 (24.4%) students became more favorable to EM. Conclusions The impact of COVID-19 on medical students' career choice is a complicated matter that involves both personal and professional factors. It appears that there is a trend towards less interest in the field of EM with multifactorial influences, some of which are related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state and tasks of educaion of the middle-level specialists for geological survey

Data are analyzed on the demand for mid-level specialists for geological study of the territory of Russia and on&#x0D; the state of their training in accordance with programs of the secondary specialized education. Ways to change the&#x0D; trend for declining the interest in geological specialties and to stabilize the number of specialists working in the&#x0D; geological industry have been proposed.

The state and tasks of educaion of the middle-level specialists for geological survey

Data are analyzed on the demand for mid-level specialists for geological study of the territory of Russia and on&#x0D; the state of their training in accordance with programs of the secondary specialized education. Ways to change the&#x0D; trend for declining the interest in geological specialties and to stabilize the number of specialists working in the&#x0D; geological industry have been proposed.

Encouraging medical students to become surgeons? Impact of psychological and surgical factors on career choice at medical school.

Training decisions are viewed as a problem by the majority of medical students.In the present study we compared sociodemographic and psychological characteristics of students who are interested in surgical training to those who preferred a non-surgical specialty. Furthermore, we examined whether students who wish to be trained as surgeons performed better than their non-surgical counterparts in a course designed to acquire skills in minimally invasive surgery. From October 2020 to January 2021 we performed a cross-sectional survey among 116 medical students prior to their year of practical training at Christian-Albrechts University in Kiel. Based on their intended field of specialization, the students were divided into a non-surgical and a surgical group. Sociodemographic and psychological characteristics such as self-efficacy expectations, resilience and stress perception were evaluated and compared between groups. Simultaneously, we compared their surgical performance in two laparoscopic exercises and their self-assessment as surgeons. Statistical differences between the training groups were determined by the Mann-Whitney U test or Pearson's Chi square test. Ninety-two students participated in the study, of whom 64.1% intended to train in a non-surgical specialty and 35.9% in a surgical specialty. Students who wished to be trained as surgeons had higher general self-efficacy expectations (p<0.001) and greater resilience (p=0.009). However, on comparison they had a lower stress level (p=0.047). The inter-group comparison of training results and self-assessment as surgeons revealed no unequivocal differences in surgical performance. Interest in surgical specialties is correlated, among other factors, with the strength of psychological skills such as general self-efficacy expectations, resilience and stress perception. Early attention to these psychological resources in academic training might assist medical students in future career choices.

Exploring Medical Students’ Perceptions of Peer-to-Peer Interactions Related to Applying to a Surgical Residency

The objectives were to (1) identify themes related to competitive peer-to-peer interactions elicited from the lived experiences of undergraduate medical students, and (2) understand how these experiences influenced medical students' choices related to surgical residency programs. A qualitative descriptive methodology, with purposive and maximal variation sampling (e.g., selection based on medical school location; gender), was adopted for this study. Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Participants were 15 undergraduate medical students from 4 medical schools in Ontario, Canada, who agreed to an individual semi-structured interview by Zoom or telephone. Peer-to-peer interactions influence students' perception of self and identity formation related to surgical specialty decision-making and interest. These interactions were shown to hold greater value, specifically for information gathering. Identity formation, related to pursuing a surgical residency, was influenced by the attitudes and perceptions of competition with peers throughout medical school. Cultures of competition were seen to dictate peer-to-peer interactions and their associated value, with their perception and experience differing between medical schools. Peer-to-peer interactions and a culture of competition have inherent roles in the residency decision-making process. We observed that student background and pre-formed relationships influenced how students perceived and responded to competition. Addressing the culture of competitiveness associated with peer-to-peer interactions along with considering student background and pre-existing relationships may provide insight into how medical educators can tailor learning experiences that limit the detrimental effects of hidden curriculum influences.

FOLKLORE MANIFESTATIONS WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CULTURAL TOURISM IN VOJVODINA

Tourist offers play an important role in the society of the modern consumer. Tourism represents the act of traveling for the purpose of recreation, as well as obtaining services to achieve that goal. Tourism is a service industry, which is made up of a number of tangible and intangible elements. A tourist is a person who travels at least eighty kilometers from the place of permanent residence for the purpose of recreation, as defined by the World Tourism Organization (part of the United Nations). Tangible elements include transportation systems - air, rail, road, water and more recently, space; catering services - accommodation, food and drinks, tours, souvenirs, etc. The intangible elements are: rest and relaxation, culture, adventure, new and different experiences. In addition to a greater number of different tourist offers and consumer interests, the development of cultural truism is increasingly significant. This is due to the fact that today tourists are not satisfied only with a vacation in nature, in the sun, but also with other contents and activities. An increasing number of tourists are interested in tourist manifestations, which show the achievements, beliefs, traditions, and way of life of the ethnically heterogeneous population of the selected destinations. In addition to museums and monuments, there is a growing interest in gastronomic specialties of traditional dishes, music, dance, song. The expansion of cultural exchange at the national and international level through the participation of folklore ensembles at festivals in the country and abroad become the bearers of the tourist offer. The aim of the paper is to show the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents for interest in folklore events that are part of cultural identity and the potential of tradition as a driver of tourist offers. Empirical research was conducted on a sample of 42 respondents in the territory of Vojvodina. The questionnaire consisted of 100 different questions classified into 4 groups. The questionnaire used in this research was based on Delamere’s scale (Delamere et al., 2001), which was modified and shortened for the purpose of more efficient interviewing. The presented research results are presented in tabular and graphical form and obtained on the basis of processed data using descriptive, comparative methods. At the end of the research, the conclusion was drawn that the interest of the younger population in visiting folklore festivals and recognizing folk dances is increasing. The interviewees stated that the most important elements for recognizing the elements of folk tradition are songs, dances and costumes. The motive that attracts cultural visitors is the rich - historical heritage of Vojvodina as a destination for folklore festivals. The destination of the folklore festival is important to potential visitors, as is its character. Based on everything, a general conclusion can be drawn that the development of folklore events can significantly improve cultural tourism and support the development of especially rural areas.

A Pandemic Innovation: Student-Led Model to Increase Accessibility to Educational and Mentorship Opportunities.

The Canadian Ophthalmology Student Interest Group (COSIG) is the first national medical student-led specialty interest group in Canada. COSIG has run several initiatives aimed at increasing students' opportunities for ophthalmology exposure and learning, including a resident-medical student mentorship program, an annual 6-week introductory course, amongst other events, and webinars.