INTRODUCTION: Surgical training has changed with the introduction of endoscopic surgery. However, a gap in undergraduate medical training has become evident regarding theoretical principles of and basic skills training in endoscopic surgery. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a course in endoscopic surgery for medical students.

METHODS: Kern's six-step approach in curriculum development was used. A course including interactive, faculty-led didactic sessions (14 hours, distributed over three days) and simulation-based basic skills training in endoscopic surgery (nine hours, distributed over four sessions) was developed. Knowledge was tested using a 35-item test before and after the course, and finally the course was evaluated electronically. The project group in cooperation with the faculty -developed the goals and objectives, the test and the evaluation questionnaire.

RESULTS: The test-scores significantly improved after the course, p < 0.0001, with a mean difference of 12.95 (95% confidence interval: 11.47-14.44). A total of 74% (14/19) responded that the course increased their interest in a career in a surgical specialty and 58% (11/19) were considering specialising in a surgical specialty.

CONCLUSIONS: A course in endoscopic surgery was developed based on Kern's six-step approach. The course was positively perceived by the students in terms of contents as well as structure and relevance.

FUNDING: University of Copenhagen, Aase og Ejner Danielsen Fonden, The Juliane Marie Centre for Children, Women and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.