First Major Surgery Question:What was it like the first time that you performed a major surgery?
Going into surgery is kind of an interesting experience. One doesn’t perform a major surgery on ones own until late in surgical residencies. However, first experiences in the Operating Room are lasting emotionally. Going into the OR is a lot different than the rest of the hospital. There are a lot of rules about scrubbing your hands, putting on scrubs, gloves, etc. The nurses in the OR are very particular about sterilization and any deviation from established routine is a major sin. As a consequence, there is a lot of criticism and observation of young physicians as they enter the OR to ensure that they don’t break any of these “rules”. This also involves a certain amount of indirect hazing to prove that you belong. For example, “you didn’t wash your hands sufficiently” or “you broke sterilization -you’ll have to leave and regown”. Being in masks and gloves is a little dehumanizing at first. It is also hot! The high intensity lights and the gowns teem up to a real broiler.
Going into surgery is kind of an interesting experience. One doesn’t perform a major surgery on ones own until late in surgical residencies. However, first experiences in the Operating Room are lasting emotionally. Going into the OR is a lot different than the rest of the hospital. There are a lot of rules about scrubbing your hands, putting on scrubs, gloves, etc. The nurses in the OR are very particular about sterilization and any deviation from established routine is a major sin. As a consequence, there is a lot of criticism and observation of young physicians as they enter the OR to ensure that they don’t break any of these “rules”. This also involves a certain amount of indirect hazing to prove that you belong. For example, “you didn’t wash your hands sufficiently” or “you broke sterilization -you’ll have to leave and regown”. Being in masks and gloves is a little dehumanizing at first. It is also hot! The high intensity lights and the gowns teem up to a real broiler. In any case
