Question
When rotating on a busy surgical service, how can I be helpful and show that I am interested without getting in the way?
 | Response from Sarah N. Bernstein, MD Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY |
In the surgical subspecialties, physicians are usually busy from dawn until dusk, and you may find it difficult to find your place and understand the expectations of the rotation. Just remember that your primary goal is to learn and get as much exposure to the subject as possible. If it is not an area of interest, remember that this may be the only time in your career when you observe particular aspects of this area of medicine. Therefore, you should still try to see as much as possible. If you plan to pursue surgery as your specialty, this is your time to learn the basics and show your enthusiasm. I'm sure each teaching hospital is a little different, but here are some general pointers:
