Before I even started rotations, I knew that I could definitely rule out surgery as a possible career choice.  However, after one only one week into my general surgery rotation…well, I can still rule it out, but I am actually really enjoying myself!

Surgery is really cool, and I can appreciate why it is attractive to so many physicians.  As a surgeon you not only get to diagnose patients, but you get to fix them.  You get to use your hands, dive in, and fix what is wrong.  In other specialities, you prescribe a drug, try to educate your patient, and wait and see what happens.  Surgeons get immediate results, and that is pretty neat.

Some things I’ve learned on this rotation that I didn’t know before – surgeons know medicine.  Sure, a lot of patients are referred to them and have already been diagnosed, but the surgeon I am with really knows his stuff.  He doesn’t just take them to surgery, fix them, and send them on their way.  He looks at the whole person, and he has a genuine interest in helping them feel better, even if that means they really don’t need surgery.  In fact, I’ve had many patients tell me they wish that he could be their regular doctor!

I actually haven’t scrubbed in for that many surgeries, but I have survived so far without breaking the sterile field.  I am amazed how much I get to do as only a student, such as holding instruments and even working on intubation with the anesthesiologist.

My favorite part about this rotation is the hours.  We generally work 3-6 hours per day, which has been really nice.  It gives me time to actually do some studying, as well as spend a little more time with Anika.  Before this year, surgery was the rotation I was dreading the most.  As it turns out, this is one of my favorite rotations!

Even though I’m having fun, I still will never be a surgeon.  After successfully traversing the OR on Friday, I went home and butchered my thumb trying to make a salad.