Is surgery a spectator sport? Third-year surgical clerkship case-log analysis at a community-based medical college

Background

This study evaluated a structured case-log assignment to assess experiences in third-year surgical clerkships, focusing on student-preceptor interactions allowing entrustability of the student with surgical instruments.

Methods

Case-logs from 74 students across multiple clinical sites in a community-based medical school were reviewed. Assignments detailed operation type, hands-on-instrument time, and personal growth reflections.

Results

Students logged 1396 operations (65.43 %; 31.07 ​± ​23.85 surgeries/student), 382 clinic sessions (17.91 %), and 355 rounds/consultations (16.65 %). Common surgeries included intrabdominal (49.78 %) and abdominal wall (15.25 %). Fiberoptic-assisted (45.45 %) and open surgeries (36.82 %) predominated. Most (77.94 %) operations occurred without residents, with limited hands-on time (27.51 ​% reporting 1 %–24 %). Weekend logs (46 students) captured fewer surgeries (2.22 ​± ​1.31/student), though intrabdominal surgeries and hands-on time were higher. Reflections highlighted key experiences and learning opportunities.

Conclusion

Structured case-logs effectively capture surgical exposure and student experiences. Integrating digital logbooks could enhance real-time data collection and streamline assessment.