here are 5 things you can do to get more opportunities in the OR
in general, be prepared, show interest, and be self-motivated. these are how you will develop trust and a rapport with your attending and maximize your chances of getting more responsibility in the OR
1. read
know your anatomy, know your case, know your indications. you have to demonstrate that you've read around the case if you want any opportunities in the OR, and believe me, we will find out whether you've read or not!
med students: know your anatomy and the history
residents: pre-op plan the case
2. pre-op plan
similar to the first point, you have to not only know why you're there but how you're going to successfully complete the case. A detailed pre-op plan (preferably hand draw AO style) that you review with your attending pre-op is a great way to be delegated more responsibility in the operating room
3. be engaged
just because you're holding a retractor or watching doesn't mean you can't be engaged. ask questions. discuss the anatomy and technique (that you've read pre-op!), and generally be an active learner. the initiative will lead to more opportunities
check out my ortho reading list as a springboard for your own reading
4. show up consistently
we have to trust you, so you can't expect to show up to the OR one day and do everything. create a working relationship with your preceptors by showing up consistently to their clinical activities (clinic, OR, call) and this will lead to more opportunities in the operative room
5. practice
do your best to practice the skills so that when the time comes, you make the most of it. make use of your school's simulator, labs etc. there's nothing attendings like better than to "show you how I do it", so make sure we never get the chance!
check out my suturing videos here. bookmark them to review before going into the OR
do you have any tips? comment below
Comments