Surgery Clerkship. 8 Credit Hours

Catalog description

The eight-week core surgery clerkship is divided into a four-week general surgery rotation and a four-week surgery specialty rotation. The goals of the third-year surgical curriculum are divided into 5 broad categories: 1. Preparation of the medical student for patient care/clinical skills, including a. performance of a focused history and physical examination on a surgical patient, b. interpretation of diagnostic tests and procedures for the surgical patient, c. performance of basic technical skills, d. demonstration of clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills for the surgical patient, e. formulation of a diagnostic and therapeutic plan for a surgical patient; 2. Increase fund of medical knowledge for a surgical patient, 3. Self-directed learning, 4. Application of best evidence-based practices to improve patient care and to prepare for daily activities, and 5. Development of interpersonal and communication skills, including: a. oral presentations to the surgical team, b. written notes in the medical record, c. relationship with patients and their families, d. relationship with the healthcare team, e. practice of professionalism in all settings. In order to achieve these goals, the student should have a sound knowledge of surgical anatomy and the pathophysiology of surgical illness. The student should have strong understanding of the patient's surgical disease process. The student should master simple basic technical skills by the end of the clerkship. The student should master a focused history and physical examination on a surgical patient. The student should propose and interpret diagnostic tests and procedures that are appropriate for the surgical disease. The student should develop a differential diagnosis and demonstrate clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills that integrate clinical data. The student should develop a logical diagnostic and therapeutic plan for surgical problems. The student should develop strong interpersonal relationships and communication skills with patients, their families and the healthcare team. The student should be well read and well prepared for operations and rounds, and begin to develop good habits for self-directed, lifelong learning. The student should demonstrate an understanding of best practices that improve the health of surgical patients. The student should provide competent, compassionate care for patients in all surgical settings.