• Dominic J Wu and Paul B Greenberg.
• Division of Ophthalmology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
• J Surg Educ. 2016 May 1; 73 (3): 370-4.

ObjectiveMedical students receive limited exposure to ophthalmology and ophthalmic surgery in the preclinical curriculum. To address this gap, the authors designed a self-directed preclinical elective course in ophthalmic surgery offered in the 2013-2014 academic year to all first- and second-year students at the study institution.DesignProspective cohort study with anonymous Likert-style questionnaires and qualitative responses.SettingWarren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI.ParticipantsAll current first- and second-year medical students at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University enrolled in the preclinical elective in 2013-2014 were eligible to participate in the study.MethodsThe course had 3 components: (1) 4 web-based didactic modules on common ophthalmic conditions with slide sets, surgical procedure videos and animations, and mandatory premodule and postmodule quizzes to assess for competency; (2) a 3-hour interactive virtual surgery simulation session on cataract surgery-related tasks; (3) a total of 2 shadowing experiences in the clinic and in the operating room. Each student completed an anonymous precourse and postcourse Likert-style questionnaire that assessed exposure to ophthalmology, favored components of the course, and interest in ophthalmology as a career.ResultsOf the 22 students who signed up, 18 (81.8%) completed the course. Most students (76.5%; 14/18) felt there was inadequate exposure to ophthalmology in the medical curriculum. Students scored a mean of 44.0% on premodule assessments and 97.0% on postmodule assessments. All students completed the postcourse questionnaire: they all recommended the course to other medical students and increased their understanding of ophthalmology as a career. The most popular components of the course were the practical aspects of the elective (44.4%; 8/18) and virtual surgery simulation (44.4%; 8/18).ConclusionsThis course increased preclinical medical students' knowledge of ophthalmic surgery and suggests that flexible preclinical electives can help medical students explore clinical interests and career choices earlier in their medical education.Published by Elsevier Inc.

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