Intraoperative flow
Surgical timeout 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 scrub. Your job […]
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? The sterile field exists to reduce microbes present to as few as possible. It is used in many situations outside the operating room, as well as for performing surgical cases. Sterile fields should be used outside the operating room when performing any procedure that could introduce microbes into a patient, […]
Surgical skills to practice
Knot tying Single-hand ties (4:12 min.) Two hand ties (4:08 min.) Instrument ties (1:50 min.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOfdq-h1WMghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUEh_pf3Ipchttps://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
Treat everyone with respect. You can learn from every single team member in the room. 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 attendings will work on the same operation. Surgical […]
Rounding on surgical specialties
https://youtu.be/yhae_Xep0q4 (10:29 min.) Priority one Read the latest post-op note. Progress note templates You can ask your team members for the progress note templates they prefer. Jargon 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 […]
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 surgery Orthopaedic surgery Plastic surgery Ob/Gyn Ear, nose, and throat Ophthamology Neurosurgery Urology Library resources LibGuide Library Resources for Medicine: Surgery
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 […]
How to succeed in Surgery: A peer-to-peer guide
Author Julia Todderud, Class of 2026 Welcome to Surgery! This module was developed in partnership by students and our surgical faculty to best prepare and support your surgical rotations. This includes a compilation of recommendations and tips to optimize your learning and the experience of your team members and patients. Key takeaway: You are a […]