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Virtual Sub-Internship in Plastic Surgery: The Start of a New Era in Surgical Education?
Francesco M. Egro MBChB, MSc, MRCS; Samyd S. Bustos, MD; J. Peter Rubin, MD, FACS; Jesse A. Goldstein, MD; Joseph E. Losee, MD, FACS, FAAP, and Vu T. Nguyen, MD
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2021-01-31
Presenter: Francesco M. Egro MBChB, MSc, MRCS
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting
Director Name: Vu T. Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical training programs ceased offering in-person sub-internships, stripping many medical students of an unparalleled opportunity. To overcome this hurdle, the University of Pittsburgh implemented a virtual Sub-Internship (vSub-I) in Plastic Surgery. Herein, we present our experience and assess its impact on student education and satisfaction.
Methods: A two-week vSub-I was implemented, in which students attended educational and simulation sessions and one-on-one meetings with faculty and residents. Participants gave 15-minutes grand rounds talks about their research/clinical interests. To assess this innovative program, student and faculty satisfaction were evaluated using a survey. Subjective knowledge was assessed before and after completion of the vSub-I.
Results: Twenty applicants (10 female and 10 male) took part in the vSub-I between August and October 2020. Overall, 18 (90%) were US-medical students, and two (10%) were international medical graduates. Six (30%) identified themselves as underrepresented minorities. Mean age was 26.9 years (SD 1.9). Mean subjective level of knowledge before and after completion of the vSub-I was 2.9 (SD 1.0) and 3.8 (SD 0.8), respectively, and mean improvement was +0.9 (SD 0.8, p<0.0001). Mean student and faculty satisfaction was 4.8 (SD 0.5) and 4.4 (SD 0.8), respectively.
Conclusion: The vSub-I emerged as a response to the challenges of this new era. Our study is the first to objectively assess its impact on medical education and faculty satisfaction, demonstrating high student and faculty satisfaction, and significant knowledge improvement by allowing direct involvement with our program and effective incorporation of plastic surgery topics.
