Surgery… *sigh*
Now I’m not saying I went into this rotation with a closed mind. However, this does not mean that I could completely tune out the rumors from my fellow medical students who had already completed the rotation. Hearing about the long hours, cut-throat culture, constant “pimping” of medical students in the OR in what can only be described as an attempt to embarrass us, on top of not always having time for lunch or even time to use the restroom between procedures, it was hard to go into this rotation with anything other than fear and knowing this would be the most grueling rotation of the year. So were all of the rumors true?
Unfortunately, most of them were. In terms of long hours, it depended on the day. Some days were short, with only a couple of procedures in the morning. However, if there was ever a vascular case on the schedule, I could be sure to be spending upwards of 5 hours straight in the OR.
I found this out on the very first day of my rotation. Let me set the scene for you: The procedure was a femoral endarterectomy, a procedure done to remove plaques from the femoral artery. Pretty cool, right? Yeah, I thought so too as I researched more about it. As part of my research, I remember googling how long this procedure usually takes and I found out it usually takes 3-4 hours. Manageable, but I’m still thinking this is going to be pretty long! Anyways, I then walk into the OR only to find another medical student who was already set to scrub in! I nervously walk over to the attending surgeon to ask if I can also scrub in, to which she responds, “only one medical student is allowed to scrub in, but you can still watch.” So there I am, leaning against the wall of the OR not even allowed to sit on a stool, watching the procedure from 5 feet away. The procedure begins at 9 am, so I’m thinking worst case scenario it will end at 1 pm. Not ideal, as it will definitely be past lunch time, but I will probably still have time to get something to eat. However, as 1 pm approaches, I slowly realize that the procedure is only half-way done. I gulp, trying to get my first ounce of hydration since early that morning. I quickly realize, however, that my bladder is simultaneously expanding and ready to burst! Never before had my external urethral sphincter been tested to its absolute limit, but I was able to make it to the end of the procedure unscathed!
This experience on my first day served as a microcosm of what I would experience for the next 6 weeks. It was difficult at times, as I was “pimped” about things I had never learned before and at times chastised for not knowing the answer. However, I was still able to appreciate the technical skill of surgeons; it is amazing to see what they can do with just their hands! While I was able to appreciate these skills during this rotation, I found myself wanting to spend more time talking with the patients compared to being in the OR. The high value I place in interacting with patients is non-negotiable.
To finish off, I think it is important to bring up the most common piece of advice I have heard from residents this year: 3rd year of medical school is just as much about finding out what you don’t want to do as it is finding out what you do want to do. Sorry Surgery, I’m afraid you fit into the former category for me!
