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Abstract Aim Due to increasing difficulty getting into surgical training and a perceived lack of surgical mentorship for medical students, we established the Surgical Early Mentoring Scheme (SEMS). We aimed to improve surgical opportunities for medical students interested in a career in surgery. Method Medical students at a single university teaching hospital were invited to partake. The scheme ran twice, across two different semesters. Students were matched with a surgical mentor, ideally in their speciality of interest. Meetings were determined by the student and mentor. Surveys were distributed before and afterwards, assessing the impact of the scheme and to guide improvements. Results Prior to participation, 6.9% of students felt they had a surgical mentor. Students stated that they would benefit from exposure to theatres and clinics, audit involvement, careers advice and application guidance. 44 students participated in the first round of the scheme. The mean number of times they met with their mentor was 0.86. The students reported that the scheme should have started earlier in the term to maximise the opportunities given. In the second round, 28 students participated. Following previous feedback, the scheme began earlier in the semester. The mean number of times that students met with their mentors was 1.2. Overall satisfaction, usefulness for theatre exposure, audit opportunities, general career advice and training application advice improved from the first round. Conclusions The introduction of SEMS has demonstrated improved surgical opportunities for medical students. Through responding to feedback, the scheme has developed between cycles. SEMS can easily be continued for future student cohorts.
Delaney et al. (Mon,) studied this question.