One strategy to address the increasing shortage of vascular surgery (VS) physicians is to augment the VS trainee pipeline. Endovascular surgery is unique to VS, and, previously, endovascular simulations have proved effective at generating VS interest. The intimate relationship of ultrasound (US) testing to VS is similarly unique among medical specialties. We hypothesized that an interactive US demonstration would increase VS interest in preclinical medical students. We created a five-point Likert scale survey assessing interest in VS, understanding of VS, likelihood to further investigate VS, choosing VS as a rotational elective, and pursuing VS shadowing and research opportunities. We administered the survey 1 day before and day after the demonstration. The results were compared via a paired t test. A VS attending assisted by a senior registered vascular technologist covered physics, B-mode, and continuous, pulsed wave, and color Doppler in an interactive, hands-on experience. Our US simulation laboratory enabled simultaneous virtual broadcast and in-person learning. All first- and second-year students at our medical school were invited via e-mail. A total of 512 students were invited, 39 of whom attended. The 19 students who had completed the surveys were included in the present study; 68% were women. Although only two of six in-person attendees had completed the surveys, their average response to all questions was higher than that of virtual attendees (+1.80 vs +0.91; P = .043). Attending an interactive US demonstration significantly increased preclinical medical students' interest in and understanding of VS, and students reported they were more likely to further investigate VS, choose a VS rotation, or pursue VS shadowing and research opportunities. In-person and virtual attendance both had positive effects (Fig and Table). Most attendees were women, which bodes well for a specialty that is predominantly male. Such an US demonstration could be an effective tool for recruitment. Further research is required to investigate the durability of this response, its efficacy compared with other recruitment tools, follow through on students' stated plans to rotate, shadow, or perform research in VS, and the effects on other underrepresented minorities. It is imperative that we continue innovating to address the future shortage of vascular surgeons.TableSurvey responsesResponseMean response score of survey variables measuredInterest in VSUnderstanding of VSInvestigate VS furtherChoose a VS rotationShadow or research in VSBefore demonstration2.682.212.632.372.05After demonstration3.263.743.423.263.26P value (t test).01186.00001.00037.00031.00002VS, Vascular surgery. Open table in a new tab