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Abstract Aim Gain insight into student perceptions of neurosurgery as a surgical specialty. Utilize workshops and a conference to ensure neurosurgery's accessibility. Compare results to previous annual conferences and evaluate the role of these events in bridging the gap between 'competitive' specialties. Method Organization of a one-day national neurosurgical conference supported by the local neurosurgical department. Offering neurosurgeon-led workshops and lectures to provide practical skills, portfolio advice and networking opportunities. Hosting eleven, consultant-marked poster presentations throughout the day. Utilizing pre-and post-conference surveys distributed to attendees to establish baseline opinions and post-conference impact through use of a five-point Likert Scale and free-text questions. Results Our study involved 47 medical students. After the conference, participants demonstrated a heightened comprehension of the nuances of a neurosurgical career and the strategies for obtaining training. They also expressed an augmented awareness of neurosurgery research, elective options, audits, and project opportunities. The workshops were well-received, and respondents recommended incorporating more female speakers in future sessions. Conclusions Student neuro-societies' efforts in hosting neurosurgical conferences effectively bridge the divide between limited exposure to neurosurgery and the challenges of competitive training selection. These conferences provide medical students with an introductory insight into a neurosurgical career through a combination of lectures and hands-on workshops. Attendees not only learn about achieving relevant milestones but also have a platform to present their research. The prospect of adopting student neuro-society-organized conferences on an international scale could serve as a valuable global educational tool, offering significant support to aspiring neurosurgeons among medical students worldwide.
Laulwa Al Salloum (Mon,) studied this question.