Author(s)
Norman A. Orabi, MD
Garrett H. Jones, MD
Wei Fang, PhD
Anna Lama, MA
Johnathan E. Castaño, MD
Affiliation(s)
West Virginia University School of Medicine; WVU SOM Department of Otolaryngology; West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI); WVU SOM Department of Medical Education;
Abstract:
Introduction: Otolaryngology is a subspecialty with limited exposure in medical school. Our project aims to assess whether otolaryngology resident instruction in a head and neck anatomy course impacts medical student exposure to and interest in otolaryngology.
Methods: Otolaryngology interns served as anatomy instructors for a routine first-year medical student head and neck anatomy course at a single medical school during March of 2020. Interns assisted with dissections, discussed clinical relevance during dissections, and provided a lecture on the field of otolaryngology. Voluntary and anonymous matched pre-course and post-course surveys were distributed to the medical students via a secure online platform. Primary outcomes focused on exposure and interest in otolaryngology and secondary outcomes assessed participation and ability to learn. Statistical analysis was performed with one-sample and paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests using a Likert scale 1-5 and a level of significance of p=0.05.
Results: Compared to pre-surveys, we observed increased ability to describe the field of otolaryngology (1.93 vs 3.30, p< 0.001) and role of an otolaryngologist (2.13 vs 3.30, p< 0.001), career interest in otolaryngology (2.40 vs 2.67, p=0.49), and exposure to otolaryngology (2.00 vs 2.73, p=0.002). In addition, there was positive association in understanding clinical relevance (3.77, p< 0.001), participation (3.70, p< 0.001), and ability to learn head and neck anatomy (3.90, p< 0.001) and a strong recommendation for otolaryngology resident facilitators in future courses (4.27, p< 0.001).
Conclusions: Otolaryngology resident participation in an anatomy course was associated with increased exposure, understanding, and interest in otolaryngology and ability to learn head and neck anatomy.