KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS TOWARD MEDICAL EPONYMS IN CROATIA

Abstract

Background: Medical eponyms entail naming various medical phenomena after individuals who played a part in their discovery. They are a core part of the medical field but the nature of their creation and increasing levels of criticism leave the question open whether they have a long-term future within educational and clinical settings.

Methods: Knowledge and attitudes of medical students toward medical eponyms were assessed via questionnaire. It included 8 questions pertaining to student knowledge on selected medical eponyms and their respective medical terms, along with a section focusing on student attitudes regarding the perceived importance and longevity of medical eponyms.

Results: A total of 126 students took part (71% female). Majority were first year students (61.1%), while the remaining sample comprised of senior years students (5th and 6th year). When presented with the medical term students were routinely able to name the corresponding medical eponym. Students displayed more difficulties in naming the corresponding medical terms when first presented with the eponyms. Senior years students were found to be significantly more knowledgeable regarding medical eponyms and their respective medical terms in 7 of the 8 medical phenomena included (Down Syndrome was universally known). Students indicated that they were exposed to medical eponyms during their studies (significantly more in the case of higher year students), and were, generally, neutral in preference between medical eponym or term usage, with 73.8% stating that they considered medical eponyms still needed in medicine.

Conclusions: Medical eponyms are still a core part of students’ medical education, particularly in later years of study. The students express a continued need for them and are just as likely to use eponyms as they are to use their respective medical terms. As such, it would seem prudent to keep medical eponyms in the classroom for the foreseeable future.