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Observational Study
. 2022 Nov 12;51(1):42.
doi: 10.1186/s40463-022-00596-4.

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery clinical electives in undergraduate medicine: a cross-sectional observational study

Katrina M Jaszkul  1 , Marysia Grzybowski  2 , Timothy Phillips  3
Affiliations
Observational Study

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery clinical electives in undergraduate medicine: a cross-sectional observational study

Katrina M Jaszkul et al. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. .

Abstract

Background: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) electives provide medical students opportunities for knowledge acquisition, mentorship, and career exploration. Given the importance of electives on medical student education, this study examines OHNS clinical electives prior to their cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: An anonymous 29-question electronic survey was created using the program "Qualtrics." Themes included elective structure and organization, elective clinical and non-clinical teaching, evaluation of students, and the influence of electives on the Canadian Residency Match (CaRMS). The survey was distributed through the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology e-newsletter and e-mailed to all OHNS undergraduate and postgraduate program directors across Canada.

Results: Forty-two responses were received. The vast majority of respondents felt that visiting electives were important and should return post-COVID-19 (97.6%). Most said they provide more in-depth or hands-on teaching (52.4% and 59.6%, respectively). However, there was great variability in the feedback, types of teaching and curriculum provided to elective students. It was estimated that 77% of current residents at the postgraduate program that responders were affiliated with participated in an elective at their program.

Conclusions: Prior to the cancellation of visiting electives in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, electives played an important role in OHNS undergraduate medical education and career planning for students wishing to pursue a career in OHNS. Electives also provide the opportunity for the evaluation of students by OHNS postgraduate programs.

Keywords: COVID-19; Clerkship; Education; Electives; Medical education; OHNS; Oto-HNS; Student.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Figure depicting respondent affiliation/association to OHNS
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Summary of the order in which respondents ranked the most characteristic they look for in elective students
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Figure depicting the changes being made to the CaRMS process as a result of the cancellation of away electives
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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