Academic Resource Preferences for Medical Students Pursuing Orthopaedic Surgery

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study explores the preferences of academic materials favored by medical students pursuing orthopaedic surgery. It aims to assess how these resources are perceived in terms of their utility in both pre-clinical education and clinical rotations. Additionally, the study explores the potential significance of visual mnemonics, a resource currently underrepresented in orthopaedic education. METHODS: Deidentified electronic surveys, using the web-based platform SurveyMonkey, were distributed via national medical student orthopedic societies and medical student orthopedic interest groups. The surveys included multiple choice questions prompting respondents to rate their perceived usefulness of various educational resources, and their responses were analyzed using non-parametric statistical methods. RESULTS: Significant variations in resource preferences were identified across subjects. A consistent consensus was held that board reviews, question banks, and flashcards have greater utility compared to textbooks and lectures for pre-clinical subjects. A similar pattern emerged for clinical rotation resources with direct patient care, review resources, question banks, and flashcards being favored over conventional instructional methods. Visual mnemonics demonstrated efficacy in subjects demanding memorization-intensive efforts and most respondents expressed their belief that visual mnemonics would be useful in their orthopaedic studies. CONCLUSION: The transition from conventional lecture-based instruction to dynamic, interactive learning approaches is a hallmark of modern medical education. This research provides strong evidence that medical students aspiring to become orthopaedic surgeons have a pronounced preference for active learning resources. These insights offer valuable guidance for refining educational strategies tailored to orthopaedic surgery candidates, potentially bolstering their success in securing positions in this competitive field.