Thread by @Dietitian2Doc

For any 3rd year #medstudents starting on #surgery, here are some tips I found helpful as to how to be successful on this rotation:

1. Arrive early - on time is 15 min before start. Offer to print the patient list and write new lab values before sign out from the night 🧵

2. Stalk the OR board the night before. Know who’s going and for what reason. If there’s any surgeries you’re unfamiliar with, look up the anatomy the night before.

3. Get to the OR before your patient. Get to know the scrub techs and nurses, give them your gloves and gown if you’re scrubbing in, joke with them and make friends - your experience will be SO much better!

4. Then help them prep the patient. The residents/attendings may let you do small procedures like putting the Foley, OG tube, intubation, and close if you’re helpful!

5. Always read in between procedures! Normal down time is ~20 minutes. Surgical recall (saved my booty so many times - 10/10 recommend to buy this book for your surgery rotation) and UpToDate are good for this time.

6. Bring your lunch every day - lots of little snacks. Otherwise you won’t get to eat. Like things you can take two bites then run away from. Your health is key to success. You must ensure you feel good before you can help others.

7. This is what you need in your pockets or a bag every morning for rounds:

Scissors
4x4 gauze
Drain sponges
Q-tips
Alcohol swabs
Big tape (perforated)
Small tape
Adaptic non-stick dressing

I recommend showing up early day 1 to go to the supply closet to collect all this

8. Keep in mind any feedback you receive from attendings/residents is only to make you better! Show up, be engaged and willing to learn, work hard and you will have a great rotation 💪