Ikaneng Yingwane, fourth-year student at Sefako Makgatho Student Sciences University, shares his tips to help students maximise their hands-on experience.

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As a medical student in South Africa, you should be well aware of the ‘ChB’ (or ‘BCh’) that occupies half the name of the degree you are pursuing. It means Bachelor of Surgery (In Latin: Baccalaureus Chirurgiae). That entails spending some time in the surgeon's playground: The Operating Theatre. The operating theatre serves as an important part of your medical education. It offers you invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to surgical procedures. You should aim to maximise the time spent in the operating theatre by strategically planning, actively engaging, and being committed to continuous learning.

Preparation is essential

Before entering the theatre, you should thoroughly prepare. If you can, try to clerk the patient going to be operated on (or at least read through their file to get some background history). Understand why surgery is indicated and what type of surgery will be done. By understanding the context, you enhance your understanding. Use textbooks, online resources, or preoperative lectures to familiarise yourself with the surgical procedure to be done, relevant anatomy, and surgical techniques. Additionally, ensure that you are adequately dressed in appropriate surgical attire and adhere to sterile protocols to maintain patient safety and infection control standards.

Active and respectful engagement

Once inside the operating theatre, adopt an attentive and respectful demeanour. Greet the surgical team as you enter the operating room, including the surgeon, nurses, and anaesthesiologist. Demonstrate professionalism, attentiveness, and a willingness to follow instructions promptly. Anticipate the needs of the surgical team, offer assistance proactively, and seek opportunities to participate in surgical tasks under supervision.

Focus on surgical principles and techniques

During the surgical procedure, closely observe the principles and techniques the surgeon(s) employ(s). Pay attention to the sequence of steps, what special instruments they use (their names too!), and the nuances of handling and manipulating tissue. Ask pertinent questions to clarify concepts, seek explanations for surgical decisions, and understand the rationale behind specific manoeuvres. Emphasise quality over quantity in your observations by prioritising depth of understanding over the sheer number of cases you have observed.

Develop professional relationships

Cultivate and nurture professional relationships with members of the surgical faculty. Consultants, registrars and medical officers enhance your learning experiences and expand your professional network. Gain their favour, respect and trust by demonstrating enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic. Engage in informal discussions, attend departmental meetings, and participate in surgical conferences to stay abreast of current trends, research advancements, and surgical innovations.

Reflections

After each surgical procedure, reflect on your experiences, insights, and lessons learned. Keep a reflective notebook to record important situations, obstacles, and personal development milestones. Reflective practice encourages self-awareness, critical thinking, and continual improvement, which leads to a better knowledge of surgical concepts and improved clinical competence over time.

Maximising time spent in the operating room as a medical student necessitates proactive participation, ongoing learning, and a dedication to professional development. Prioritising preparation, active involvement, and reflective practice will help you improve your educational experiences, refine your surgical abilities, and establish the groundwork for future success in surgical specialities. Through effort, patience, and a real passion for surgical excellence, aspiring surgeons can maximise their learning possibilities and contribute meaningfully to the progress of surgical care.

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