Prior to rotating at QHC’s surgery department, I had high hopes since I was initially interested in surgery at the start of PA school. I was not disappointed since this rotation may have been the best rotation thus far. I really enjoyed the combination of having clinic and being scrubbed into OR cases since it allowed me to see patients preoperatively, assist in the surgery, and follow-up with the same patients postoperatively. I also learned a lot about preoperative and postoperative management for surgical patients on the floor and those in the ICU. Moreover, the surgery team was really welcoming and willing to teach, which is a huge plus since they facilitated a positive, learning environment.

Other than scrubbing into two c-sections during my OBGYN rotation, I have not scrubbed into any cases before so everything in the OR was new to me. At first, it was challenging to identify anatomy and follow what the surgical vernacular is in terms of tools used during the procedure and techniques employed throughout the entire surgery. However, as I scrubbed into more cases, it naturally became easier to understand what those terms meant. Additionally, I got the opportunity to change wound dressings every morning, which was important since I did not have much experience prior to this rotation (for example with JP drains or colostomy bags). I also learned how to tie multiple knots via one hand or two hands with the help of other students. Because I enjoy using my hands, I learned a lot of technical skills that will help me during my ER rotation and for the future.

Another valuable skill was learning how to differentiate between patients who need surgical intervention immediately and patients who do not. I was able to see consults with other PAs and physicians who would reason with me why certain procedures were or were not indicated at the time. I think that this type of decision making will become less challenging for me as I am exposed to more patients over time. All the skills that I learned during this surgery rotation really helps me prepare for my last rotation in the ER because we would be calling for consults there and because I have more experience with the technical side of medicine in addition to thorough patient history and physical. Although the hours were longer than my previous rotations, I really enjoyed the combination of seeing outpatient, inpatient, and OR patients.

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