Training the Next Generation of Academic Global Neurosurgeons: Experience of the Association of Future African Neurosurgeons

Kanmounye, Ulrick Sidney; Zolo, Yvan; Nguembu, Stéphane; Tétinou, Francklin; Sebopelo, Lorraine Arabang; Endalle, Geneviève; Sichimba, Dawin; Takoukam, Régis; Ghomsi, Nathalie Christelle; Jumbam, Desmond T.

doi:10.3389/fsurg.2021.631912

Cited by 14 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Neurosurgery/neuroanatomy exposure can be improved in multiple ways. First and foremost, enhancing mentorship with existing neurosurgery interest groups ( 29 , 30 ). This will serve as a vehicle to connect medical students, with trainees and consultants in neurosurgery via educational activities.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the impact of neurosurgery and neuroanatomy simulation using 3D non-cadaveric models amongst selected African medical students

Takoutsing

Wunde

Zolo

et al. 2023

Front. Med. Technol.

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BackgroundLaboratory dissections are essential to acquire practical skills to perform neurosurgical procedures. Despite being traditionally done on cadavers, they are often unavailable and suffer from cultural barriers in the African context. Non-cadaveric UpSurgeOn neurosurgery models have been developed to bridge this barrier, providing an almost similar experience with the human body. This study aimed to assess the impact of the UpSurgeOn hands-on-touch non-cadaver model training amongst selected Cameroon medical students.MethodsAn anonymous 35-item questionnaire was distributed online using Google drive systems to medical students who attended UpSurgeOn's hands-on-touch non-cadaver model training course. These questions aimed to capture data on previous experience with neuroanatomy and neurosurgery practicals and the perception, attitudes, and impact of the UpSurgeOn neurosurgery tool.ResultsEighty-six students completed the survey. The mean age was 21.2 ± 1.868 years, 61.6% were males with 62.8% of respondents being medical students in preclinical years. Before the training, 29.4% had a fair knowledge of neuroanatomy. Textbooks and Youtube videos were the main sources of neuroanatomy and neurosurgery knowledge for more than half of the respondents. Up to 91.5% had no prior exposure to a neuroanatomy/neurosurgery cadaver laboratory dissection, and 22.6% and 17.6% had witnessed and performed at least one craniotomy before, respectively. There were 11.1%, 15.5%, and 31.3% of our respondents who had used a surgical microscope, a neurosurgical instrument, and the UpSurgeOn Neurosurgery tool before, respectively. The majority perceived the UpSurgeOn tool easy to use and felt they needed to learn just a few things before getting going with the box. Most thought of increasing the use of the UpSurgeOn Box and saw the need to be part of the training curriculum. Finally, the majority felt this tool helped to increase familiarity and acquire neurosurgical skills, and to develop the orientation skills needed during neurosurgical approaches.ConclusionUndergraduate exposure to traditional neurosurgery/neuroanatomy labs is limited in Cameroon. Neurosurgery/neuroanatomy practical skills are gained essentially using non-practical means. Most students found the UpSurgeOn tool user-friendly, saw the need to incorporate it as part of their training, and perceived it to be essential in getting acquainted with neurosurgical skills.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the impact of neurosurgery and neuroanatomy simulation using 3D non-cadaveric models amongst selected African medical students

Takoutsing

Wunde

Zolo

et al. 2023

Front. Med. Technol.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…In addition, it is crucial to acknowledge the importance of southe south research collaborations or partnerships. 48 One of the targets of the Global Action Plan (2019e2021) of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Global Neurosurgery Committee was to "Initiate 3 new Local Neurosurgery Trainng Programs." Afghanistan, Sudan, and Tanzania have all signed memoranda of understanding to start the process.…”

Section: Lmic Neurosurgical Trainingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global Neurosurgery in the Context of Global Public Health Practice–A Literature Review of Case Studies

et al. 2022

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“…Similar to the beneficial effects of neurosurgery interest groups throughout the global West including the UK (18) and US (19), the establishment and promotion of neurosurgery interest groups within and between medical schools throughout Africa could help enhance more equitable neurosurgical exposure and opportunities for mentorship. Initiatives such as the Association of Future African Neurosurgeons (AFAN) may play a key role in this respect and should be supported (20).…”

Section: Recommendationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

814 Evaluating the Impact of Neurosurgical Rotation Experience in Africa on the Interest and Perception of Medical Students Towards a Career in Neurosurgery: A Continental, Multi-Centre, Cross-Sectional Study

Dada

Ooi

Bukenya

et al. 2022

British Journal of Surgery

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Introduction Africa has the second-highest neurosurgical workforce deficit globally, and many medical students in Africa lack exposure to the field. This study aims to assess the impact of a neurosurgical rotation during medical school in shaping the perception and interest of students towards a career in neurosurgery. Method This is a continental, multi-centre, cross-sectional study. A Google form e-survey was disseminated to African clinical medical students between February 21st and March 20th, 2021. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and adjusted logistic regression modelling. Results Data was received from 539 students in 30 African countries (n=30/54, 55.6%). The majority of participants were male (n=289/539, 53.6%) and were from Kenya (n=83/539, 15.4%). Most students had undertaken a clinical neurosurgery rotation (n=278/539, 51.6%); the majority reported a rotation length of four weeks or less (n=181/278, 65.1%). Students with clinical experience were less likely to pursue the specialty (p=0.02) and had a stronger perception that it is more difficult for women to pursue neurosurgery (p=0.0001) when compared to those without clinical experience. However, after adjusting for other factors, students with greater than four weeks of neurosurgical exposure were more likely to express a career interest in neurosurgery (odds ratio [OR]=1.75, p<0.04) and men were more likely to express interest in a neurosurgical career compared to women (OR=3.22, p<0.001). Conclusions Our findings support standardised, continent-wide, curriculum development, and advocacy supporting improved gender inclusivity in education and policymaking to improve the quality of neurosurgical exposure during medical school and help tackle the neurosurgical workforce deficit across Africa.

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Training the Next Generation of Academic Global Neurosurgeons: Experience of the Association of Future African Neurosurgeons

Cited by 14 publications

References 14 publications

Assessing the impact of neurosurgery and neuroanatomy simulation using 3D non-cadaveric models amongst selected African medical students

Assessing the impact of neurosurgery and neuroanatomy simulation using 3D non-cadaveric models amongst selected African medical students

Global Neurosurgery in the Context of Global Public Health Practice–A Literature Review of Case Studies

814 Evaluating the Impact of Neurosurgical Rotation Experience in Africa on the Interest and Perception of Medical Students Towards a Career in Neurosurgery: A Continental, Multi-Centre, Cross-Sectional Study

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