gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: The German healthcare system is facing a shortage of medical professionals, particularly in the fields of orthopedic and trauma surgery. It is crucial to generate interest in these fields among medical students by introducing educational approaches at the medical school level. A combination of orthopedic and trauma surgery with a focus on sports medicine can be beneficial for clinical strategies and medical teaching.

Methods: In the summer semester of 2016, a 2-week teaching module on “orthopedic and trauma surgery with a focus on sports medicine”, specifically on shoulder, elbow, and knee surgery, was introduced at a university medical school. The course was integrated into the curriculum by learning spirals for 16 consecutive semesters (twice a year). Teaching formats included 80 hours of seminars, clinical case discussions, operating room observations, e-Learning, and practical training. After each course, the satisfaction of the students was evaluated, and the students’ gain in knowledge was analyzed with pre/post-multiple-choice tests in the 2024 class. The pre/post test included 30 multiple-choice questions divided into three sections, namely anatomy, clinical knowledge, and surgical technique.

Results and conclusion: A total of 252 students participated in the module over 14 semesters. The evaluation revealed that the students were highly satisfied with the course and felt motivated to engage more with the topic. The course was also valued by the students as a good means of deepening the core curriculum. The pre/post-tests showed a significant gain in knowledge among the students (p < 0.001) in all three sections, i.e., anatomy (p < 0.001), clinical knowledge (p < 0.001), and surgical technique (p < 0.001).

The course received highly positive feedback from the students. The approach of practical day-to-day training in orthopedic and trauma surgery with a focus on sports medicine may generate interest in the subject and attract future residents. Additionally, the course demonstrated a substantial gain in practical knowledge, including surgical anatomy, clinical expertise, and surgical technique.