ENT in the undergraduate curriculum

Otolaryngology is under-represented in the UK undergraduate curriculum, typically comprising less than one per cent of the curriculum and many medical schools lack a mandatory placement.^1,2 There is an ongoing drive and determination by many UK ENT departments to retain ENT within the medical school curriculum.³

In this month's issue of the Journal of Laryngology & Otology, Mayer et al make a strong case for greater exposure to ENT within the medical school curriculum, in order to facilitate active recruitment of medical students and junior doctors into Otolaryngology Higher Surgical Training.⁴ The authors also encourage mentorship for students with an interest in ENT.

One way the authors suggest that exposure to ENT can be increased is through more widespread use of e-learning, although in one UK-based study satisfaction with current e-learning resources was found to be variable.⁵ In addition, a previous article published in this Journal earlier this year showed that a one-day course run by a student body can be a powerful adjunct to the medical school curriculum, in terms of educating undergraduates in ENT and inspiring the pursuit of ENT as a career.⁶ Virtual reality and surgical simulation can also assist in this process by engaging medical students, as well as helping students to guide their career planning. Previous studies have shown virtual reality and surgical simulation to be effective in this regard.^7,8

The systematic review by Mayer et al reiterates the need for greater exposure to otolaryngology in the undergraduate curriculum. In addition, mentorship for students with an interest in otolaryngology (e.g. through special study modules and undergraduate ENT societies) should be a priority.