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Background:  This study aims to clarify the effects of implementing a series of virtual patients in undergraduate surgery education on various dimensions of skills as applied to clinical problems.

Methods:  In a randomized controlled trial 48 surgery clerks were assigned to an intervention group who worked on 14 simulated cases of abdominal pain during 7 weeks in a computer lab and a control group without access to software. At the end of the intervention, both groups were tested by a structured, seven‐part paper‐based exam evaluating certain areas of competence.

Results:  Forty‐five students took the exam. Results showed a significant improvement in history taking (P < 0.001) and no improvement in scores related to appropriate use of radiology and lab tests, proposing differential diagnoses and management plans and factual knowledge. From the intervention group, 20 students completed a virtual case …