A 'career exploration' didactic and simulation-based session increases student knowledge in and exposure to urology

Introduction: Though urology attracts well-qualified applicants, students are not typically provided exposure to this smaller specialty until later in their medical education. While simulation-based training continues to supplement medical education, there is a lack of programming to teach specialty-specific procedural skills to medical students and those outside the specialty. We report a half-day simulation and didactic-based approach to increase exposure to urology to interested second-year medical students. Methods: A half-day didactic- and simulation-based session was offered to second-year medical students (N=57). After a didactic-based overview of the specialty performed by urology providers and a surgical educator, the students participated in small-group simulations, including hands-on simulations. The students completed a post-curriculum survey measuring knowledge gains and soliciting feedback on the session. Results: Students were 57.1% Caucasian, 66.7% female, with a mean age of 24.2 years; 80% of students stated they were potentially interested in pursuing a surgical specialty such as urology prior to the start of the session. Students reported pre- to post-curriculum gains in knowledge (mean=37%) about a career in urology and basic urologic procedures (p<0.001). Participants were also likely to recommend the curriculum to their peers (p<0.001). Conclusions: Given that exposure to urology in medical school is usually limited and offered later in training, a half-day didactic- and simulation-based experience for second-year students provides an early introduction and experience within the specialty and its common bedside procedures.