The following is a summary of “A Qualitative Study Defining Perspectives on Rurality and Surgery From Midwestern Medical Schools,” published in the October 2024 issue of Surgery by Simon et al.

Rural general surgery faces a critical shortage as more surgeons pursue fellowship training and practice in urban areas, leaving rural populations with diminishing access to surgical care. This study aims to assess how the rurality of a medical student’s hometown influences their knowledge of rural general surgery and to identify potential educational gaps regarding its definition, benefits, and challenges. The findings are intended to guide future curriculum enhancements within medical schools to better educate students on rural surgical practices.

In the spring of 2021, an electronic survey was conducted across 11 Midwestern medical schools. Participants were categorized into rural, urban, or suburban groups based on the Rural-Urban Continuum Codes associated with their hometowns. A qualitative analysis was performed to evaluate students’ responses to three key questions focusing on their understanding of the definition of rural surgery, its benefits, and the challenges associated with practicing surgery in rural areas.

The survey yielded responses from 411 medical students representing 33 states. Most respondents were female (63.4%) and Caucasian (56.9%), with most hailing from suburban areas and having remained in the Midwest for their education. Analysis revealed that many students defined rural surgery in vague terms such as “Rural,” “Farmland,” or “Nowhere,” indicating a lack of precise understanding. The primary challenges students identified included limited funding, inadequate facilities, and insufficient access to advanced technology in rural healthcare settings. However, students also recognized the benefits of rural surgery, highlighting the wide range of surgical procedures performed and the strong sense of community engagement inherent in rural practices.

In conclusion, while medical students demonstrated an understanding of the challenges and benefits of rural general surgery, their grasp of rurality as defined by specific codes needed to be improved. This study highlights a clear need for improved educational efforts in medical schools to enhance students’ knowledge and exposure to rural general surgery. These findings provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions to prepare future surgeons for the unique demands and opportunities of practicing in rural areas.

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022480424004529