Surgery Rotation

James Rucinski, MD, Chair

The goal of the surgery rotation is to acquaint students with those clinical problems that require surgery as part of the therapeutic management. The emphasis of this rotation is not primarily on surgical technique, but on the understanding of the pathophysiology of surgical disease, as well as on the management of pre-operative and postoperative therapy. Besides the many short histories and physical examinations done during this rotation, students are required to perform detailed histories and physical examinations on at least two patients admitted to the surgical service each week, and to follow these patients through surgical and post-operative therapy.

Attendance in the operating room is required when surgery is performed on a patient for whom students obtained an admission history and performed a physical examination.

Students must assist in the operating room to gain an understanding of basic surgical techniques, surgical discipline in relation to asepsis, and care of the unconscious patient. The more common post-operative complications must be recognized. Student follow-ups of patients are required (for example, pathology, radiology, rehabilitation medicine). Procedures that involve manual skills, such as venipuncture, placing and removing sutures, and urethral catheterization are incorporated into the surgical rotation.

Initially, students are under direct supervision. After demonstrating proficiency, they are indirectly supervised.