Posters
Presenting Author Academic/Professional Position
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 2)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 3)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 4)
Medical Student
Academic Level (Author 5)
Medical Student
Presentation Type
Poster
Discipline Track
Other
Program Evaluation
Abstract Type
Program Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the educational impact of a surgical skills workshop for medical students, focusing on changes in self-perceived confidence and skill levels in suturing, laparoscopic techniques, and aseptic practices (gowning, gloving, and scrubbing-in). Using pre- and post-surveys, the study assessed whether the workshop met its educational objectives, providing insights for improving future training and ensuring the workshop effectively enhances students’ surgical competence and confidence.
Description: The event took place at a UTRGV hospital simulation center, organized around three stations led by two PGY-2 General Surgery residents and a professor/pediatric general surgeon from UTRGV School of Medicine. Students were divided into three groups, each rotating through stations on basic laparoscopy, scrubbing and mock OR, and guided suturing. Each 45-minute session encouraged student collaboration under close supervision from physicians.
Pre- and post-surveys were developed to measure students' self-rated competence in suturing, basic laparoscopic techniques, and aseptic practices. Specific questions assessed general suturing skill, fine motor coordination, camera manipulation, and confidence in aseptic techniques like handwashing, gowning, and gloving. Six additional post-survey questions provided qualitative insights on student enjoyment, perceived benefit, and comfort with these skills. The surveys were conducted through REDCap to protect privacy and minimize bias.
For statistical analysis, a two-sample t-test assuming unequal variances was used to compare pre- and post-session scores, with an alpha level of 0.05 set in Microsoft Excel. The results revealed statistically significant improvements across all assessed skills, with p-values far below 0.05, indicating strong support for the workshop’s positive impact. High ratings for enjoyment (4.78), benefit (4.73), and comfort (4.21) reinforced the educational value and effectiveness of this simulation training.
Partners:
-
UTRGV School of Medicine Student Affairs
-
UTRGV School of Medicine Clinical Skills Team
-
UTRGV General Surgery Residency at Valley Baptist Medical Center
-
Dr. Sambandam Elango, MD, FACS, M MED Ed, Senior Associate Dean of Educational Affairs, Chair of Medical Education, Professor of Medical Education
-
Dr. Maria de Jesus Muñoz, MD, Dean, Primary and Community Care
-
Dr. Rajendra Rao Thambi dorai Conjeevaram, MD, FRCS, FRACS, Professor of Medical Education
-
Dr. Sonia Khan, MD, PGY-2 General Surgery Resident
-
Dr. Annabella Hochschild, PGY-2 General Surgery Resident
Looking Ahead: Feedback from participants included requests for additional skills to be incorporated in future workshops, such as “peeling oranges” to simulate robotic surgery, reading X-ray scans, making incisions in suture pads, and training in intubation and ultrasound skills. Seven participants also suggested increasing the time allocated to each station for more hands-on practice.
The surgical skills workshop provides students with critical exposure to surgical techniques, whether they aim to pursue surgery or expand their general clinical skills. Continuing this event annually will prepare students more effectively for surgical rotations while fostering connections with residents and attending physicians who lead the training.
Recommended Citation
Elizondo, Victoria; Murambadoro, Anesu; Quintanilla, Miguel; Wiggins, Russel; Garcia Valdez, Kevin; Uzoma, Chantal; Cisneros, Fernando; Harris, Chloe; and Butler, Hunter, "Evaluating the Impact of a Surgical Skills Workshop: A Pre- and Post-Program Assessment" (2025). Research Symposium. 170.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/somrs/2025/posters/170
Included in
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons, Education Commons
Evaluating the Impact of a Surgical Skills Workshop: A Pre- and Post-Program Assessment
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the educational impact of a surgical skills workshop for medical students, focusing on changes in self-perceived confidence and skill levels in suturing, laparoscopic techniques, and aseptic practices (gowning, gloving, and scrubbing-in). Using pre- and post-surveys, the study assessed whether the workshop met its educational objectives, providing insights for improving future training and ensuring the workshop effectively enhances students’ surgical competence and confidence.
Description: The event took place at a UTRGV hospital simulation center, organized around three stations led by two PGY-2 General Surgery residents and a professor/pediatric general surgeon from UTRGV School of Medicine. Students were divided into three groups, each rotating through stations on basic laparoscopy, scrubbing and mock OR, and guided suturing. Each 45-minute session encouraged student collaboration under close supervision from physicians.
Pre- and post-surveys were developed to measure students' self-rated competence in suturing, basic laparoscopic techniques, and aseptic practices. Specific questions assessed general suturing skill, fine motor coordination, camera manipulation, and confidence in aseptic techniques like handwashing, gowning, and gloving. Six additional post-survey questions provided qualitative insights on student enjoyment, perceived benefit, and comfort with these skills. The surveys were conducted through REDCap to protect privacy and minimize bias.
For statistical analysis, a two-sample t-test assuming unequal variances was used to compare pre- and post-session scores, with an alpha level of 0.05 set in Microsoft Excel. The results revealed statistically significant improvements across all assessed skills, with p-values far below 0.05, indicating strong support for the workshop’s positive impact. High ratings for enjoyment (4.78), benefit (4.73), and comfort (4.21) reinforced the educational value and effectiveness of this simulation training.
Partners:
-
UTRGV School of Medicine Student Affairs
-
UTRGV School of Medicine Clinical Skills Team
-
UTRGV General Surgery Residency at Valley Baptist Medical Center
-
Dr. Sambandam Elango, MD, FACS, M MED Ed, Senior Associate Dean of Educational Affairs, Chair of Medical Education, Professor of Medical Education
-
Dr. Maria de Jesus Muñoz, MD, Dean, Primary and Community Care
-
Dr. Rajendra Rao Thambi dorai Conjeevaram, MD, FRCS, FRACS, Professor of Medical Education
-
Dr. Sonia Khan, MD, PGY-2 General Surgery Resident
-
Dr. Annabella Hochschild, PGY-2 General Surgery Resident
Looking Ahead: Feedback from participants included requests for additional skills to be incorporated in future workshops, such as “peeling oranges” to simulate robotic surgery, reading X-ray scans, making incisions in suture pads, and training in intubation and ultrasound skills. Seven participants also suggested increasing the time allocated to each station for more hands-on practice.
The surgical skills workshop provides students with critical exposure to surgical techniques, whether they aim to pursue surgery or expand their general clinical skills. Continuing this event annually will prepare students more effectively for surgical rotations while fostering connections with residents and attending physicians who lead the training.
