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- Talk
- 21/09/2021
- UK
RLHOTS Mentorship Programme for Medical Students Improved Students Interest in Orthopaedics
Description
The video presentation features David Ensor discussing the Royal London Trauma Society's initiative aimed at addressing gender disparity in orthopedic surgery. David explains the discrepancy between the number of female medical students (55%) and female orthopedic consultants (13%). The project, developed with Hassan Raja and a benefactor, targets medical students in their early years (1 to 3) to enhance their exposure to orthopedics through various activities such as clinical bedside teaching, weekend theater lists, and workshops on women in orthopedic surgery.
During the 2019-2020 academic year, 25 students participated, with a 60-40 female representation. The program included fortnightly clinical teaching, opportunities in the operating theater, and discussions on orthopedic specialties. At the project's conclusion, feedback was collected through a Google survey, revealing that the majority of students felt the initiative increased their interest in orthopedics and understanding of both the specialty and the application process for orthopedic training.
Although the program was well-received, challenges arose, particularly due to COVID-19, which limited students' access to surgical theaters. David concludes by noting plans for future integration of the program into the committee structure to ensure continuity and improve connections with medical students. The session also includes a Q&A where both students' interests and barriers to orthopedic training are discussed.