Small is beautiful: a practical course in microsurgery for medical students

Objective Run a short course in microsurgery for medical students which aims to introduce the practical skills for suturing at a microscopic level and develop interest in specialties which use microsurgery. Methods A total of 4 microsurgery workshops were run between June 2012 and January 2013 under expert supervision. The workshops lasted 3 hours each and were open to 12 medical students at each session. Delegates were paired to 6 stations with 1 operating microscope and microvascular kit at each station to practice suturing different materials under the microscope and compete in a microsuturing competition to conclude the session. Pre‐ and post‐workshop qualitative questionnaires were completed. Results The total attendance for the 4 workshops was 42 delegates. Progression was demonstrated across all workshops with students becoming more confident at operating surgical microscopes and microsuturing. Feedback showed that teaching microsurgery to medical students requires more time and better equipment. 67% (n=28) of students felt that a good understanding of microsurgery is important for their future career. Students enjoy friendly competition. Conclusions A structured microsurgical course designed for medical students was conceived and developed with positive outcomes. This novel workshop has potential applications to other aspects of anatomy education. Thanks to Mercian Surgical Instruments.