(1112) Flexible Laryngoscopy Workshop Boosts Preclinical Student Interest in Otolaryngology

Introduction: Limited exposure to otolaryngology in the preclinical medical school curriculum prompted the implementation of a hands-on workshop with otolaryngology residents. Our purpose was to determine if a short single-skill instructional event would stimulate interest in a career in otolaryngology.

Methods: A flexible laryngoscopy workshop for preclinical medical students was held in November 2023. The workshop included a 10-minute presentation by a senior otolaryngology resident and a 20-minute resident-assisted session using a flexible laryngoscope on an airway demonstration model. Groups were comprised of 5 students and 2 residents. Students rated their familiarity with laryngoscopy indications, pathologies detected through laryngoscopy, and larynx anatomy on a scale of 1 (unfamiliar) to 5 (well versed). Students also rated their interest in otolaryngology on a scale of 1 (not at all interested) to 5 (extremely interested). Pre-workshop and post-workshop responses were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank tests.

Results: In total, 26 medical students responded. Of them, 19 (73.1%) were first-years, and 7 (26.9%) were second-years. Of the students, 7 (26.9%) had previously observed a physician using a flexible laryngoscope. Students’ familiarity with laryngoscopy indications increased from an average of 1.8 to 4 (p < 0.00001), familiarity with detected pathologies increased from an average of 1.7 to 3.8 (p < 0.00001), and understanding of larynx anatomy increased from an average of 2.6 to 3.7 (p < 0.0001). Following the workshop, students also reported greater interest in otolaryngology, which increased from 3.3 to 4 (p = 0.02). All 26 (100%) students expressed interest in participating in similar workshops in the future.

Conclusions: This short hands-on workshop increased medical students’ interest in otolaryngology. Minimal curricular time may be adequate to recruit students to the field.