We offer many elective courses during the senior year to best serve each student’s individual needs and goals. Students with well-defined career goals and those who are still in the process of choosing a specific area to focus on have a wide assortment of electives to choose from. Most courses are two or four weeks in duration.
Students are also encouraged to approach faculty members for the development of unique courses.
| Department: | Surgery |
|---|---|
| Course Number: | SURGRL-4000 |
| Course Name: | General Surgery |
| Instructors: | Dr. Rebecca Brocks |
| Course Description: | Prerequisite: Successful completion of 3rd year. Course Description: The fourth-year medical student general surgery elective offers advanced training in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative management of general surgery patients. Each student is expected to function as an acting-intern on the general surgery service to which they are assigned. The student will work with patients on the general surgery wards, in the operating room, in the emergency room, and in the clinic. Students will take call (until 10:00 p.m.) every fourth night. The rotation is open to all AMC students and non-AMC students who attend LCME-accredited medical schools. Arrangements are to be made at least four weeks prior to the beginning of the rotation. Maximum capacity for this elective is 2 students (depending on availability). |
| Educational Objectives: | The student will have the ability to: 1. Perform admission histories and physical examinations for patients with surgical diseases. 2. Outline a differential diagnosis and demonstrate the use of a differential diagnosis in the formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic plans. 3. Conduct daily rounds and construct and deliver organized and succinct presentations on assigned patients using relevant interim history and physical exam findings. Write appropriate daily follow-up notes for assigned patients. 4. Interpret and explain laboratory and imaging results for patients with surgical diseases. 5. Perform basic surgical skills, including suturing, the selection of appropriate dressing care for wounds, phlebotomy, and starting a peripheral IV (with guidance as needed). 6. Exhibit professional and respectful interactions with members of the clinical team, consultants, and support staff. 7. Communicate with and educate patients and visitors with consideration of cultural, age, and other socioeconomic factors. |
| Types of Patients: | The following services host fourth-year medical students: General Surgery, Trauma/Acute Care Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, Minimally-Invasive Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. |
| Teaching Sessions /Conferences: | Weekly Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Conference, and General Surgery Principles Review |
| Resources /Readings: | Service specific |
| Evaluation Method(s): | Direct Observation, Conference Participation, Mid-Rotation Feedback |
| Contact Information: | Coordinator: Kim Dalton, [email protected] |
| Period(s) Available: | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 |
| Available Length: | 4 weeks |
| Max Students: | 2 |
| Visiting Students: | Yes |