MED5005

Surgery

Associate Professor B Waxman, Dr J Fox and Mr S Woods

8-week rotation (integrated with an 8-week medicine rotation)

Objectives On completion of this subject, students will have made the initial transition from theoretical knowledge to the practical application of the principles of surgical management. They will have developed an understanding of the pre-operative assessment of patients through history taking, physical examination and diagnostic formulation; the presenting symptoms and signs of surgical illness and how to elicit these; the principles underlying investigative modalities used in diagnosis and management of surgical patients; resuscitation and fluid management of the surgical patient; the basic principles of anaesthesia and post-operative pain management; the post-operative and day-to-day management of surgical patients; the resources available to facilitate early management of the post-surgical patient in the community; presentation of detailed case reports with relevant literature review; interaction with paramedical staff in the hospital environment with development of clinical skills important for patient management and optimum functioning of the medical and paramedical members of the surgical team.

Synopsis Continuous attachment to hospital surgical wards with involvement in all surgical unit activities and daily clerking of patients; involvement in management decisions in pre-operative and post-operative patients; tutorials and seminars covering core curriculum information in relation to major surgical specialty areas and the investigative aspects of surgical problems; clinical tutorials, seminars in oncology and radiotherapy; limited attendance in operating theatres; rostered attendance to surgical emergencies; bedside tutorials emphasising clinical and communication skills; seminars in principles and techniques of palliative care management; involvement with paramedical staff in the hospital environment.

Assessment Continuous assessment: 33% · OSCA exam: 33% · MCQ paper: 33%

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