Shadows and Lights: Perspectives of Training and Education in Neurosurgery for Undergraduate Students

Abstract

IntroductionNeurosurgical education should start during medical school to involve more students, favoring the recruitment of the most prepared and motivated ones and spreading this subject to the future medical generations. Despite multiple investigations, a dedicated educational plan does not exist. This study aims to assess the undergraduates' interests, needs, and perceptions of this subject.Materials and MethodsThe survey was structured to collect demographic data of the participants, and to explore their interest in neurosurgery, their consideration of its importance in medical school, their opinions about the role of this subject in medical education, their needs in this training, and, the usefulness of this subject for their future career.ResultsA total of 156 students participated in the survey. Interest in neurosurgery was shown by 76 (48.7%) participants, however, this subject was also perceived as intimidating by 86 (55.1%). Attending the first 2 years of medical school (p < 0.02), previous interest in neuroscience (p < 0.01), and in a surgical subject (p < 0.01) were the factors associated with a greater interest in this subject. Neurosurgery should be included in all students' education, according to 117 (75.0%) participants and practical operating room training should involve all students, according to 96 (61.5%). The most effective learning methods were considered internship (134, 85.9%), followed by participation in meetings or seminars (113, 72.4%). Online seminars were considered useful by 119 participants (76.3%). Neurosurgery was assessed as a potentially interesting career by 99 students (63.5%), who also considered that it can increase their preparation for other subjects (116, 74.4%).ConclusionsNeurosurgery was positively considered by medicals students, who, however, also perceived it as intimidating and hardly approachable. Demonstration that knowledge of neurosurgical concepts can improve their preparation also in general medical settings and, not only in the field of neuroscience, can be useful to promote their interest toward this subject. A combination of lectures and practical internships is considered an effective learning method, which can be fruitfully associated with new technologies.

Factors Affecting the Choice of Neurosurgery as a Future Career: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…It is important to note that some studies have identified an exception to the existing literature. Zoli M. et al observed in their study that 101 students (64.7%) thought neurosurgery may be an interesting field to pursue in the future [20]. Akhigbe et al stated that 78% of the students would consider neurosurgery as a future career [15].…”

Assessment of the adequacy of neurosurgery teaching methods among medical students in Enugu State, Nigeria

“…This is not optimal, as a study by Stumpo et al . [ 9 10 ] showed that early research involvement was considered among factors that stimulated the interest of students in choosing a neurosurgical specialty in a meta-analysis published by the world neurosurgery journal.…”

Hands-on neuroendovascular practice for nonselective undergraduate medical students increases interest and aspirations in pursuing neurosurgery as a specialization

“…While such focused education is effective, Zoli et al suggested that neurosurgical education and training should involve all students. [17] e present study was also based on the belief that it is important to provide an opportunity for all students to receive exposure to neurosurgery, including those not interested in neurosurgery, and hands-on neuroendovascular practice for nonselective students may be effective for this purpose. e present study targeted 5 th -year medical students; however, considering the effectiveness of early exposure, hands-on practice for students in the earlier years of their medical degree program might increase the number of neurosurgery applicants.…”