AIM: This study aimed to investigate the application effect of a stereoscopic visualization teaching method combined with a flipped classroom model in the clinical internship of thoracic surgery for undergraduate clinical medicine students. METHODS: Based on teaching methods documented in instructional records, students were retrospectively assigned to a control group (n = 59) and an experimental group (n = 53). The control group employed the flipped classroom teaching model, while the experimental group utilized a three-dimensional visualization approach integrated with the flipped classroom model. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed anatomical models of the chest were exclusively used for clinical instruction within the experimental group. Theoretical examinations, case analyses, and clinical practice assessments were adopted to evaluate teaching effectiveness. Teaching satisfaction was measured through a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: The theoretical scores, case analysis scores, and clinical practice scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001). Satisfaction with teaching content in the experimental group was higher than in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.347). Satisfaction with teaching methods, teaching effectiveness, learning experience, and overall evaluation in the experimental group was significantly improved compared with the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stereoscopic visualization, based on 3D reconstruction combined with a flipped classroom teaching model, has the potential to improve theoretical knowledge, case analysis skills, and clinical practical skills among undergraduate clinical medicine students during thoracic surgery internships. Compared with the flipped classroom alone, the combined teaching model results in higher teaching satisfaction.
Lan et al. (2026) studied this question.