Expanding surgical clerkships to remote community sites: the success of the Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho experience

Abstract Background The purpose of this analysis was to determine if the surgical clerkship model and site affect educational outcomes and student postclerkship perceptions. Methods Data from University of Washington students participating in surgical clerkships at traditional/academic or community/apprentice sites across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI) between 2005 and 2007 were gathered retrospectively. Comparisons of final examination scores as well as postclerkship student evaluations of the educational experience were made between traditional and community training sites. Results The mean final examination scores at WWAMI sites were significantly higher than those at traditional academic sites. Furthermore, WWAMI sites were rated higher with respect to time spent by faculty in direct observation, quality of the clerkship as a whole, and overall contribution to medical education. Conclusions Community surgical clerkship sites remote from an academic institution can provide an excellent learning experience for students.