Student-selected components: bringing more ENT into the undergraduate curriculum

Abstract

Exposure to otolaryngology is currently minimal in the UK undergraduate medical curriculum. This may lead to difficulties in attracting graduates into higher ENT surgical training and in ensuring a reasonable standard of ENT knowledge amongst primary care practitioners. A recent innovation, of which many ENT units may be unaware, is the introduction to the undergraduate curriculum of 'student-selected components'. Like the traditional elective, this allows students to undertake an attachment to a speciality and department of their choice. Units which do not regularly teach medical students but which have a welcoming and enthusiastic approach to undergraduate training may well be ideal hosts. This paper introduces the concepts underlying student-selected components, outlines the preparation required and offers a template for such an attachment, for which ENT is ideally suited.

Qualitative synthesis and systematic review of otolaryngology in undergraduate medical education

“…In contrast, an earlier UK survey (2005) reported that students found OR attendance to be highly educational; however, satisfaction decreased when too many people were viewing the operative field and in settings with small operative fields. Newbegin et al, also from the United Kingdom, suggested that more otolaryngology research rotations be offered to increase undergraduate exposure to otolaryngology.…”

“…Seventeen articles discussed educational methods. Most found that clinic‐based teaching was highly rated by students, as was small group instruction.…”

Night emergency cover for ENT in England: a national survey

“…Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery are highly specialised fields which are often not taught well at undergraduate level 1 . A national survey showed that the average length of time spent within ENT departments during undergraduate medical training was only one and a half weeks, and 42 per cent of the undergraduates surveyed did not undergo any formal assessment of their clinical skills or knowledge at the end of such attachments 2 .…”

Undergraduate ear, nose and throat training: How do we inspire the next generation?

“…2 For the dedicated student, there are additional opportunities-intercalated degrees, student-selected components and elective rotations in otolaryngology-permitting an extended period of protected time solely dedicated to the specialty. 3 A structured timetable of clinic and theatre attendance is important, but students should also be encouraged to complete a short project during their time: for instance, an audit, case report, contribution to clinical research or a narrative systematic review on a topic of specific interest. Particularly for those without prior research experience, being encouraged to present at a regional ENT meeting is a very rewarding learning experience, and there are often prizes for medical students on offer.…”