My time at St. Francis Hospital was challenging. I was faced with adversity as time went on. During the first week of surgery, I felt very confident that the rotation would go well. 

I would be at the Hospital by 6:30 am to round on patients whose procedures I’d seen. I followed their hospital course until they were discharged from the hospital. It was also my responsibility to write SOAP notes on patients that I saw. At 7 AM, in the surgical PA call room, we would go over the list of patients that the surgery team is overseeing. By 7:30, I would be scrubbing in for a case. Most cases were general surgery, which included esophogomyotomies, appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and colon resections. I also saw cases in different specialties, such as breast reductions, deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps, an orthopedic procedure, and hernia repairs. Most of the hernias repairs were inguinal, para esophageal, and incisional. I was also able to see a CABG and see a heart in person, thanks to Professor Lopez.

During most procedures, I was mainly a second assistant but occasionally first assist in less invasive cases. I was asked to retract, suture, and I could palpate specimens before they were sent to pathology. 

I feel that I could improve on my anatomy. The first week started off well, but during the second week, I took a few days to study for the PACKRAT. This made it difficult for me to catch up on surgery materials and have ample preparation to make the most out of a case.

Overall being at St. Francis Hospital was a huge learning opportunity.

 

PDF: Rotation Reflection