Students are encouraged to participate as much as possible in the operating room and in performing procedures both in the operating suite and at the bedside.

Students must keep a log of their procedures and patient contacts, which is expected to be submitted at the end of their rotation (Temple University students).

Emphasis is placed on clinical skills.

1. Clinical Skills

• History and physical examination
• Organization of information, including differential diagnosis
• Formulation of a diagnostic plan
• Preoperative evaluation of the surgical patient
• Perioperative orders and strategies

2. Assessment and management of the postoperative patient including fluids and complications and interpretation of tests: blood gases, radiographs, etc.

3. Technical Skills

• Aseptic technique
• Wound care and management
• Hemostasis
• Bedside procedures including intravenous access
• Venipuncture
• Arterial blood gas
• Tubes and catheters including nasogastric tube placement
• Basic suturing

4. Basic Laparoscopic Skills

• Camera manipulation
• Laparoscopic retracting