Long surgeries -- are they really useful?

Guest

Many surgeons are quick to have students stand over a surgery for 4 hours plus with little to no teaching. Students should have the ability to leave surgeries after being present for a certain amount of time, particularly if the experience is not useful. Perhaps a policy could be created that allows students to study in a reading friendly environment (library) after being present in the OR for a certain amount of time. Having such a policy would allow students to be more assertive about the use of their time without fearing a poor evaluation. We are paying for this experience and we should be learning in the way we each learn best. There is not nearly enough time to get reading done in certain surgical rotations, and reading is more useful than standing in a non-teaching environment.

Guest · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject:

While I think that long surgeries at UVA are particularly excruciating (especially to grumbling stomachs and full bladders), even if you had the option to leave, would you take it?

I am not that interested in surgery, but I would stay for the full operation because it shows enthusiasm and interest. I think the best way to get the most out of the long surgeries is to somehow make there be more teaching. Isn't it a requirement that the residents teach us?

As for lack of time to read, I agree, but honestly the info I remembered the best was stuff I was pimped on in the OR or on rounds.