I started my first rotation in general surgery on Monday, August 30th, 2010. It was a rough ride the first two days. I was just following the residents around like a lost puppy...Unsure of myself, not understanding my role on the team.....I was placed with a new team on Wednesday because every 1st of the month, the residents begin a new team. This team is wonderful! They are very patient with me and willing to teach me the ropes! I've had an opportunity to scrub in on many surgeries this week. During the surgeries, I have held retractors for the attending, operated the laparoscope, cut the sutures for the attending and resident. I was also pooped on during a surgery....I know...crazy, but it happened!
The most difficult part right now is adjusting to the very long hours and being away from my family. If they were here with me, I'm sure this wouldn't be as difficult for me. I would be able to come home and see my son's smiling face and hear his words...I would be able to get the biggest, my loving hug from my wife.....and best of all, fall asleep right next to the loves of my life! That physical comfort would be enough to get me through each and every difficult day in this surgical rotation. But they are not here, so I must move on the best I can. I will take each day as it comes and plan on having a great day of learning! I look forward to seeing my family in 2 weeks and that is what I focus on. That is what keeps me going on a day to day basis...
My goal as far as this rotation goes this week:
1. Follow up on patients and be able to confidently write a SOAP note
2. Continue to scrub in on surgeries
3. Close the wound in surgery
4. Continue to learn how to write a Trauma H&P
5. Continue to learn how to write a Surgical Consult.
A blog about me and my journey through clinical rotations
