INTRODUCTION: The Monitoring Program of Operative Techniques and Experimental Surgery (OTES) at Bahia Medical School (UFBA) is an extracurricular activity that offers students the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical foundations of OTES. In 2009 the monitoring program underwent wholesale modification in its structure and dynamic functioning. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the evolution of the monitoring activity from the perspective of students who have experienced the old and new models. METHODS: Standardized questionnaires were applied to all the monitor students, divided into three groups: those who experienced the former and the current structure (9 students); those who experienced the first model of the new structure (20 students); and those who have experienced the second model of the new structure (15 students). RESULTS: Most of the students in the three groups reported fully or partially achieving their initial objectives; 81% considered that the knowledge and skills learned through monitoring will be useful for medical practice. CONCLUSION: The OTES monitoring activity has evolved positively from the students' point of view, and is now established as a useful tool in medical training.