One-week experience in the general surgery outpatient clinic for preclinical medical students

Objectives: To evaluate whether the early introduction of observership in general surgery outpatient clinic for preclinical students could increase their interest in general surgery and ease their concerns, and to assess its potential effect on their careers in general surgery.

Study design: A structured observership program was conducted at the Peking Union Medical College. A total of 83 preclinical students were observed in the general surgery outpatient clinic. Students were given a format survey before and after the observership.

Results: All students completed the early observing experience in general surgery. All students thought it worthwhile and recommended more such observership. Students had more interest in general surgery and higher possibility in choosing general surgery as a career. Their level of comfort and confidence in future clerkship was also improved. Most of the students thought the observership could improve their communication with surgeon teachers and patients.

Conclusions: The observership in general surgery outpatient clinic for preclinical medical students can increase their interest and career possibility in general surgery. It can also significantly boost their confidence and comfort in their future surgical clerkship and improve communication with surgeon teachers and patients.