Education Research: Enhancing Medical Student Interest in Careers in the Clinical Neurosciences Through a Hands-on Procedure Workshop

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesIt is predicted that the current shortfall of neurologists will continue to grow beyond current training rates. It is well documented that medical students often possess stigmatizing beliefs toward neuroscience-based careers. Preclerkship medical education is where many medical students lay the foundation for specialty interests, and at some medical schools, it may be their only direct exposure to neurology. Providing preclerkship students with exp osure to the unique aspects of clinical neuroscience such as procedures is a possible avenue for increasing student interest.Methods and Curriculum DescriptionWe sought to assess the influence of a procedure workshop on student specialty interest. We organized a hands-on procedure workshop for preclerkship medical students to learn examination skills and procedures used by adult/pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, and psychiatrists. Twelve different stations were run by faculty, trainees, and technicians. Attendance was optional, and students were free to move between stations according to their time and interests. Most stations involved some brief education and time for students to practice or take part in the procedure. Attendees completed an exit survey on their retrospective interest in the relevant specialties before attending the workshop, prospective interest after attending the workshop, and the helpfulness of each station in understanding the procedure. Statistical analyses were performed on the survey responses to determine change in specialty interest resulting from the workshop.Results and Assessment DataA total of 111 students attended the workshop, and 104 (94%) filled out the postsurvey. Most were from the second-year medical student class. Approximately 41% of the second-year class attended. There was an increase in student interest (d= 0.6346) in the clinical neurosciences by the Fisher exact test (p< 0.0001). Thirty-three attendees (32%) reported an increased interest in the specialties. Of the students who reported having no prior interest in the clinical neuroscience specialties, 82% (18/22) had an increased interest as a result of the workshop.Discussion and Lessons LearnedA hands-on procedure workshop improved medical student interest in the clinical neurosciences. Although its effect on future specialty choice is unclear, preclerkship experiences such as a procedure workshop may be a useful addition to medical school curricula to foster interest in neurology and the clinical neurosciences.

The First Issue

“…This program also addresses diversity and inclusion describing how unique barriers can be overcome for students from marginalized backgrounds. In the final article, Sanderson et al 14 bring the excitement of procedural neurology to second-year medical students and link the learning of basic neuroscience with the fun of procedural medicine. This issue appeals to educators at all levels of neurologic and neuroscience training and reflects the journals' mission to publish high-quality education research relevant to all fields, all professions, and all learners in the clinical neurosciences.…”

The PBL teaching method in neurology education in the traditional Chinese medicine undergraduate students: An observational study

“…To address this issue, it is essential to enhance the neurology education of TCM students by emphasizing core knowledge and refining their clinical practical skills, which could significantly improve neurology disease management. [3] In this regard, the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) methods emerges as a crucial solution to overcome the limitations of traditional teaching techniques. [4] Conventional teaching in neurology suffers from various drawbacks, including: Limited Interactivity: Traditional teaching predominantly relies on lectures, textbooks, and written materials, which can hinder student engagement and interaction among peers; Struggling to Keep Pace: Neurology is a rapidly evolving field, continuously generating new research and discoveries.…”

“…To address this issue, it is essential to enhance the neurology education of TCM students by emphasizing core knowledge and refining their clinical practical skills, which could significantly improve neurology disease management. [ 3 ]…”

Neurology ® Education Fulfilling an Age Old Mantra in Medicine

“…Copyright © 2022 American Academy of Neurology Procedure Workshop." 7 In this study, preclinical medical students gained exposure to procedural skills in the neurosciences. The hands-on workshop significantly increased interest in the neurosciences.…”