338 Medical Student Engagement with Surgery and Research During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Supporting the Future Workforce for Post- Pandemic Surgical Recovery

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Medical students have lost invaluable exposure to surgery and research during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in missed opportunities and mentorship essential to career decision-making. This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and the influence of regional educational events on student engagement with surgery and academia. Method A series of virtual regional events on academic surgery were delivered in 2021 across the UK and Ireland. Attendees completed post-event feedback, including questions on their experience of engagement with surgery and research during the pandemic, and the impact on career interests. 5-point Likert scales were used to assess agreement (from 1 [“strong disagreement”] to 5 [“strong agreement”]). Data were summarised using mean and standard deviation (SD), and mean differences (MD) compared using parametric tests. Results Of ∼850 attendees across 31 events between January and May 2021, 393 students responded. The pandemic had made engagement with surgery (mean: 3.95, SD: 1.01) and research more challenging (mean: 3.79, SD: 1.03). Those undecided on a surgical career reported a significantly larger increase in knowledge (MD: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25–0.59, p<0.001) and intention to consider a surgical career (MD: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.56, p<0.001) after the event, than those who had already decided. Conclusions Accessible opportunities are needed to combat the lack of surgical and research experience caused by the pandemic. Concrete efforts at grass-root and national levels are required to continue encouraging a representative and research-active surgical workforce.