A survey of medical students to assess their exposure to and knowledge of renal transplantation.
BACKGROUND
Within the field of renal transplantation there is a lack of qualified and trainee surgeons and a shortage of donated organs. Any steps to tackle these issues should, in part, be aimed at future doctors.


METHODS
A questionnaire was distributed to final year students at a single medical school in the UK to assess their exposure to and knowledge of renal transplantation.


RESULTS
Although 46% of responding students had examined a transplant recipient, only 14% had ever witnessed the surgery. Worryingly, 9% of students believed that xenotransplantation commonly occurs in the UK and 35% were unable to name a single drug that a recipient may need to take.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey demonstrates a lack of exposure to, and knowledge of, the field of renal transplantation. Recommendations to address the problems with the recruitment of surgeons and donation of organs, by targeting medical students are made.
Edwards
Anusha G
AG
Department of General Surgery, Southmead Hospital, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK. dr_ag_edwards@yahoo.com
Weale
Andrew R
AR
Morgan
Justin D
JD
D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000193:education* / Q000276:immunology / Q000379:methods; D011157:Population Dynamics; D013043:Specialties, Surgical / Q000193:education*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014019:Tissue Donors; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents