Enhancement of medical student perception of surgical specialization with peer-assisted laparoscopic simulation: a pilot studyTY - Original article AU - Jordan J. Baechle AU - Alexander M. Lopez AU - Jyotsna Thota AU - Mitchell F. Bowers AU - Paula Marincola Smith and Regina S. Offodile A2 - T1 - Enhancement of medical student perception of surgical specialization with peer-assisted laparoscopic simulation: a pilot study Y1 - 2020-11-24 PY - JF - M3 - doi: 10.1102/2051-7726.2020.0008 SP - 73 EP - 79 UR - VL - 7 AB - Background: Although the pre-clinical years are pivotal in career path commitment for medical students, this phase of education is traditionally devoid of surgical exposure. Although peer-assisted learning and simulation are both validated methods of supplementing early exposure to medical specialties, their use in familiarizing students with modern surgical procedures remains minimal. We hypothesize that student-led laparoscopic simulation will result in significantly increased self-perception of surgical clerkship preparedness and confidence in pursuing surgical residency among pre-clinical medical students. Methods: Laparoscopic simulation workshops were organized by student educators who underwent faculty-led leadership training in simulation education. Pre-clinical medical students were invited to participate in weekly 1-hour laparoscopic simulation events that progressed through a series of coordination exercises using box trainers over the course of 8 weeks. Participants completed pre- and post-simulation surveys concerning perceptions toward surgical clerkship and residency. The results of these questionnaires were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test. Results: Among the 28 participants, 9 (32%) were first-year pre-clinical medical student and 19 (68%) were second-year medical students. Participants attended an average of 2.8 of the 8 sessions. On a 100-point scale, mean student perceptions of surgical clerkship preparedness and confidence pursuing surgical residency scored 44.8 and 50.3, respectively. Upon completion of the post-test, these mean preparedness and confidence scores were significantly increased to 58.6 and 66.6, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Peer-assisted laparoscopic simulation learning may be an effective means of enhancing pre-clinical student perceptions toward surgical fields in medical school curricula, however, longitud