Be helpful in the operating room
How to be helpful in the OR Introduce yourself to room staff (especially circulator and scrub tech) Put your name up on the board You can also put your glove size next to your name. Example: Jane Doe MS4, 6/6.5. Still grab your own gloves, but this is helpful for the team if you are […]
Intraoperative flow
Surgical timeout https://youtu.be/7E1ivPB_zn0?si=Rbr5zS-vx9_oT8c7&t=102 (4:46 min.) Timeouts will happen before every surgery or procedure. When this happens, pause what you are doing and turn to the team. The flow will vary by site, but typically includes introducing the patient, case, safety factors, and any additional considerations. This is typically handled by the surgeon, anesthesiologist, circulator, and […]
Prepare for cases
How to Prepare for Cases https://youtu.be/XvrGah7bpQQ (6:30 min.) Read the last note by your team/attending. The preop note by your attending is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It likely contains all the relevant information for the patient, surgery, indications, and so on. When available, read this! Read up on […]
Scrubbing in
What is the sterile field? Scrubbing in Scrubbing out Considerations during the case The sterile field is to reduce microbes present to as few as possible. It is used in many situations outside the OR as well as performing surgical cases. Sterile fields should be used outside the operating room when performing any procedure that […]
Surgical skills to practice
Knot tying Single Hand ties VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOfdq-h1WMg Two Hand ties VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUEh_pf3Ipc Instrument ties VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVZhJKB8RL0 BONUS: I would take some extra silk ties from the suture carts, keep it in your pocket and practice hand ties. Great knot tying is a great way to prove your skills to your team! Additionally, develop proficiency tying […]
Interdisciplinary team members
Interdisciplinary team members (roles, responsibilities, respect) KEY: Treat everyone with respect. You can learn from every single team member in the room. You treating them with kindness and respect can make or break your surgical rotation and the other learning opportunities you will have. Attending Surgeon The primary for the case. In complex cases, multiple […]
Rounding on surgical specialties
https://youtu.be/yhae_Xep0q4 Priority 1: read the latest post-op note. You can ask your team members for the progress note templates they prefer. Familiarize yourself with the jargon used by the service/team you are working on. For example, well appearing incisions are often described as: “clean, dry, and intact” and normal post-op abdominal exams can be described […]
Away rotations
Treat away rotations like a month-long job interview. You are there auditioning for a residency position, so you want to prove that you are willing and able to do the work. Before the rotation Connect with your resident team. Request any resources that could help on the rotation. Preview common cases. Familiarize yourself with the […]
Subspecialty resources
General SurgeryOrthopaedic SurgeryPlastic SurgeryOBGYNENTOphthalmologyNeurosurgeryUrology
Meeting and conference etiquette
Morning conferences Different surgical services may have regular didactics, case review, preview of the coming week, morbidity and mortality, etc. This can be in-person or virtual. This is a great opportunity for learners to hear how different cases are approached and navigated. If you are uncertain for details, connect with your team members for conference/didactic […]