MB ChB student runs suturing workshop for peers

A third year MB ChB student has run a suturing workshop for her peers with the aim of developing surgical skills in a low-cost, enjoyable way.

For her Student Selected Component project, Mew Sujaree Kuenghakit designed and ran a hands-on session in for 15 students. During the workshop, the participants used simple craft materials to practise core suturing techniques by creating stitched three-dimensional forms, finishing with a teddy bear.

The aim was to show that surgical skills can be learnt in a way that feels playful and unintimidating, rather than something dependent on high-fidelity equipment or a busy theatre environment that can feel overwhelming for beginners.

Through this project she wanted to draw attention to the creative side of medicine and surgery, and to show that bringing fun and light-heartedness into learning is valuable in this highly demanding field.

Mew says: "Students said the informal atmosphere helped them relax and concentrate. Many found that working towards a finished piece, in this case a stitched felt teddy bear, felt more purposeful than practising on a standard suture pad. Importantly, the workshop still emphasised precision, good technique and the same core principles expected in formal clinical skills teaching.

"The feedback was extremely positive, with all participants supporting the inclusion of this creative, low-cost approach within clinical skills teaching. Several students who could not sign up have asked about future workshops, which suggests there is genuine demand for accessible and enjoyable ways to develop early surgical skills."

Mew is now planning future sessions using other stitched figures, as well as simple craft items such as bracelets and keychains made using hand-tied surgical knots. Students will use a scalpel to cut out pieces and assemble them, giving them practice in another fundamental surgical skill.