Beyond the Operating Room: Longitudinal Outcomes of a Multi-Institutional, Collaborative PM&R and General Surgery Workshop Curriculum to Broaden Undergraduate Medical Exposure

Background and/or Objectives: An interdisciplinary team consisting of the surgical team and PM&R is associated with improved postsurgical outcomes (e.g. fewer complications and shorter hospitalizations). Pre-medical students have limited exposure to both fields, with coordination between them often underemphasized.

Design: Half-day multi-institutional workshop curriculum to introduce pre-medical students to the surgical field and post-operative rehabilitation.

Setting : The workshop was conducted in November 2024 in New York City.

Participants : A total of 229 pre-medical students completed the pre-workshop survey. The majority were female (78%, n=179), with 52% (n=119) identifying as underrepresented in medicine and 39% (n=179) as first-generation medical students.

Interventions: The workshop introduced students to surgery with a focus on post-operative rehabilitation and healthcare disparities in post-amputees. Led by Patients as Teachers (PaT) with General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and PM&R specialists, it included lectures, hands-on activities, and discussions facilitated by physicians, residents, and medical students.

Main Outcome Measures: Students' knowledge and interest in post-operative rehabilitation and surgical topics were assessed through pre/post-workshop questionnaire and a three-month follow-up.

Results: Post-workshop results (70.7% response rate, 58/82 attendees) showed a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the knowledge of post-operative rehabilitation, surgical careers, vascular diseases, and amputation indications. Understanding of PM&R and surgical collaboration also improved (p < 0.001). All pre-medical students recommended the workshop, and 86% (n=50) identified a potential mentor. A four-month follow-up (response rate 33%, n=19/58) revealed no statistical difference and retention of students’ knowledge base (p>0.05).

Conclusions: The curriculum significantly increased awareness and knowledge, both short and long-term, of post-operative rehabilitation and surgical careers. High satisfaction supports expanding early exposure programs and collaborative, multi-institutional approaches to attract diverse students to both fields.