5 Essentials for Earning Respect (and Possibly Honors)
Surgery is fast, intense, and team-driven. Here’s how to thrive from day one.
1. Show Up Early, Stay Ready
Get to the hospital before your team. Review charts, check overnight events, and pre-round on your patients. The earlier you’re prepared, the more value you bring.
2. Learn the Surgical Presentation Style
Keep it focused:
- Age, post-op day, procedure
- Key overnight changes
- Vitals, exam, outputs, labs
- Clear assessment and plan (even if it’s simple)
You’ll only get a few seconds-make them count!
3. Be a Team Player
Grab vitals, help with dressing changes, carry supplies, assist nurses. Offer to help with all patients, not just your own. It’s noticed.
4. Prep for the OR
Ask what cases you’ll scrub. Review the patient and the relevant anatomy, not just the procedure. Know the reason for surgery and potential complications. This is where curiosity shows.
5. Practice Skills Before You’re Asked
Know how to tie knots and handle basic suturing. Offer to close skin when appropriate. Even trying earns points.
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- 10+ strategies used by top students
- Sample presentations
- Shelf exam tips
- Surgical case prep checklist
- Oral pimping topics
- What to say and do in the OR
- How to earn trust as a student
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