(A548) Experience of a Head and Neck Otolaryngology Surgical Skills and Cadaveric Dissection Bootcamp in Ghana

Monday, October 13, 2025

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT

Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

Presenting Author(s)

Cheng Ma, MD

Resident Physician
Penn State University/ Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Harrisburg, PA, United States

Co-Author(s)

AG

Alyssa Givens, MD

Penn State Health Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, United States
Johnathan McGinn, MD

Professor of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
NG

Neerav Goyal, MD MPH FACS

Professor; Division Chief Head and Neck Surgery; Vice Chair Patient Safety and Quality
Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States
Guy Slonimsky, MD

MD
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Hershey, PA, United States
MD

Michael Damah, MD

University of Ghana Medical Center, United States
CO

Christian Owoo, MD

University of Ghana Medical Center, United States

Senior Author(s)

DG

David Goldenberg, MD FACS

Professor and Chair
Hershey Med Center & Penn State Univ
Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States

Disclosure(s):

Cheng Ma, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Johnathan McGinn, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Neerav Goyal, MD MPH FACS: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Guy Slonimsky, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.

David Goldenberg, MD FACS: No relevant relationships to disclose.

Introduction: Simulation training and cadaver dissection are well-established educational tools in the United States. The curriculum for Otolaryngology residency training in Ghana is still developing to accommodate a growing resident cohort. Global humanitarian efforts focused on curriculum development and resident training may have expansive effects.

Methods: The Penn State College of Medicine, collaborating with the University of Ghana Medical Center, hosted a multi-day course for Ghanaian Otolaryngology residents in September 2024 with the goal of building surgical capacity. This included a skills simulation and emergency scenarios bootcamp and a head and neck surgical cadaveric dissection course. Pre- and post-surveys were administered to evaluate changes in resident self-efficacy. Responses were analyzed via paired T-test, a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 23 participants attended the bootcamp and cadaveric dissection course each. Of these, 12 were medical officers, 18 otolaryngology residents, 3 residents of other specialties, and 1 nurse. Responses to all post-course survey questions showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05), corresponding to improved confidence, comfort, and understanding of included procedures. The mean difference was higher in medical officers compared to otolaryngology residents, indicating that there were greater improvements to self-efficacy in more junior residents. Free-response feedback showed participants found the hands-on components and simulations to be the most beneficial aspects of the course. The availability and quality of equipment were major areas for improvement.

Conclusions: Hands-on simulator and dissection courses have a positive benefit on resident training in Ghana in terms of self-efficacy. Despite existing challenges, experiential learning opportunities may be helpful in improving education in resource-restricted environments and improve downstream clinical patient care. Future studies on the longitudinal effect of these courses and their effects on surgical outcomes are indicated.