(1121) Preclinical Medical Student Perceptions of Otolaryngology

Introduction: Contemporary changes in medical school education and residency applications prompt the need to better understand the knowledge and perceptions of otolaryngology held by preclinical students, which this study aimed to assess.

Methods: For two consecutive years in 2022 and 2023, an anonymous survey was distributed to second year medical students before and after a required four-week otolaryngology-focused curriculum at a single LCME-accredited school. Paired analyses were performed to assess differences in pooled responses before and after the course. Outcomes on interest focused on knowledge regarding the specialty, as well as rotation and career interest,

Results: Of 220 total students, 124 (56%) completed the pre-course survey; 92 completed the post-course survey. Of them, 78% reported zero or limited ( < 10 hours) previous exposure to the field. Majority of subjects negatively ranked their career interest (55%) or likelihood to select an elective clinical rotation in the third or fourth year (61%). The most commonly foreseen hinderances perusing a career in otolaryngology were residency competitiveness (47%) and a lack of familiarity (37%). Upon completion of the course, subjects’ career interest (Z = -3.371, p < 0.001) and likeliness to choose an elective rotation (Z = -3.600, p < 0.001) significantly increased. Students were also more likely to associate otolaryngology with the treatment of various pathologies which are shared amongst numerous subspecialities.

Conclusions: Most preclinical medical students have limited exposure and understanding of otolaryngology. An otolaryngology-oriented course in the second-year curriculum increased both career and clinical rotation interest, as well as familiarity with the breadth of the specialty.