Shaping Perceptions and Inspiring Future Neurosurgeons: The Value of a Hands-On Simulated Aneurysm Clipping Workshops at a Student-Organized Neurosurgical Conference

Abstract

Objective Early exposure to niche specialities, like neurosurgery, is essential to inform decisions about future training in these specialities. This study assesses the impact of a hands-on simulated aneurysm clipping workshop on medical students' and junior doctors' perceptions of neurosurgery at a student-organized neurosurgical conference. Methods Ninety-six delegates were sampled from a hands-on workshop involving hydrogel three-dimensional printed aneurysms clipping using surgical microscopes. Consultant neurosurgeons facilitated the workshop. Changes in delegates' perceptions of neurosurgery were collected using Likert scale and free-text responses postconference. Results Postworkshop, 82% of participants reported a positive impact on their perception of neurosurgery. Thematic analysis revealed that delegates valued the hands-on experience, exposure to microsurgery, and interactions with consultant neurosurgeons. Thirty-six of the 96 delegates (37.5%) expressed that the workshop dispelled preconceived fears surrounding neurosurgery and improved understanding of a neurosurgeon's day-to-day tasks. Several delegates initially apprehensive about neurosurgery were now considering it as a career. Conclusion Hands-on simulated workshops can effectively influence medical students' and junior doctors' perceptions of neurosurgery, providing valuable exposure to the specialty. By providing a valuable and immersive introduction to the specialty, these workshops can help to dispel misconceptions, fears, and apprehensions associated with neurosurgery, allowing them to consider the specialty to a greater degree than before. This study of a one-time workshop cannot effectively establish its long-term impact on said perceptions, however.

Keywords: aneurysm clipping; hands-on workshop; medical school; neuro society; neurosurgical education; student conference.

Fig. 1

Aneurysm model development. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiogram of a patient with anterior/posterior circulation aneurysms ( A ) was simplified to expose the basilar tip aneurysm of interest, and directly adjacent vessels ( B ). The model ( C ) required technical adaptations to make suitable for three-dimensional (3D) printing due to the small size. A finalized aneurysm model ( D ) printed using hydrogel material, with an aneurysm clip around the neck.

Fig. 2

Overview of workshop being conducted at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow by the neurosurgical faculty of the Institute of Neurological Sciences in Glasgow. ( A ) A delegate engaged in the workshop. ( B ) Mr Samih Hassan, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Skull Base Lead demonstrating the use of the microscope. ( C ) Two delegates engaged in the workshop simultaneously—a logistical benefits of coobservation tube/side teaching arm (Carl Zeiss UK Ltd). ( D and E ) An overview of stations each hosting 6–8 delegates. Visiting faculty photographed ( D ) include Professor Michael Lim (Chairman Stanford Neurosurgery) and Professor Gail Rosseau (George Washington University/Barrow Neurological Institute). Pictures attached with participant consent.

Fig. 3

Stacked bar chart showing the percentage of participant ( n  = 96) responses to various aspects of the aneurysm clipping workshop using a 5-point Likert scale (no recorded responses were “strongly disagree”).