Table 3.

Content Analysis of Student Open-Ended Response Comments From End-of-Course Feedback Surveys (n = 27).*

Course strengths	Representative quote
1. High educational value	– Extremely educational and understandable lectures and intro sessions with access to more advanced content and clinical sign-out conferences.
2. Flexibility of course content and schedule	– One of my favorite things about this course was the flexibility to pursue my own subspecialty interests while also learning general surgical and anatomic pathology principles. The number of scheduled group activities really allowed for time to explore the endless additional resources offered by this class.
	– This was a great course to have available during times of limited patient contact. Furthermore, I believe that it leveraged an innovative approach to online learning. I enjoyed the flexibility of the course and the ability to join a variety of sign outs. I was able to survey a wide variety of subspecialties within pathology, and continue attending sign outs that I found most interesting and gained the most from.
3. Course organization	– Highly engaged professor and teaching assistant. Clearly organized, with clear expectations. Extremely educational and understandable lectures and intro sessions with access to more advanced content and clinical sign-out conferences.
	– Excellent and well organized course that seamlessly adapted to remote learning, allowing for ample lecture time while still facilitating valuable clinical experiences with rounds, tumor boards, etc.
	– Incredibly organized course that adapted to online learning in an exemplary manner. The objectives and resources were made very clear. The course leadership was supportive, understanding, and respectful of student needs as adult learners—for which I will be forever grateful. Highly recommend the course to anyone.
4. Tailoring to an individual’s learning goals	– [The course director] took the time to ask about my learning goals and tailor the course to my specific interests by providing additional lectures and sign-outs to attend. Each session was very engaging and provided a wealth of information that will enhance my understanding of disease processes.
	– As someone interested in [a surgical subspecialty], I was completely enthralled by all of the [specialty-specific] content, and felt like it really helped me clarify my interests and will help me be a better [physician]. My favorite part was [subspecialty] path, and the tumor board presession and then sitting in on the tumor board.
5. Positive learning environment	– All faculty and residents were kind, approachable, and very willing to help me learn. An excellent experience.
	– [The course director] regularly checked in to ensure we felt prepared for and welcomed at signouts and other Path department experiences and that we knew how to prepare/engage appropriately in these spaces.
	– Fruitful selection of lectures and conferences, comfortable learning environment, organized lecturers. Overall an extremely positive experience!
Areas for improvement	Representative quote
1. Options for in-person experiences	– Given the current COVID crisis, I understand that in person pathology elective was not possible. I would’ve loved in-patient experience with the pathology team, but still, I appreciated what was offered and I learned a lot from it.
2. Development of themed tracks for career exploration	– I wonder if it might be possible to give some example “themes” that would recommend materials, modules, and sign-outs based on a student’s interests, like pediatrics or neuro, for example.

 *Categorized by frequency of responses and detailed with deidentified representative quotes.