Faculty: Richard K. Orr, M.D. - Course Director
               Thomas Ashley, M.D.
               Charles Morrow, M.D.
               William Calton, M.D.
               Kristine Lombardozzi, M.D.

Institution: Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Duration: 4 weeks

Course Offered: Throughout academic year

Number of Students: 2 per rotation

Students Report to: Please contact Delilah C. Goode, Continuing Medical Education Office, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System prior to the first day of the rotation (864) 560-6748.

Designed for medical students with an interest in a career in general surgery, this externship provides exposure to all aspects of a general surgery residency.  A complete conference schedule covering a wide range of surgical topics is offered.   The student will be actively involved in day-to-day patient care including office visits, ER visits, ward rounds, intensive care units, and the operating room.   Students will work closely with junior residents as well as one-on-one with the surgical faculty.  Students may tailor the month for emphasis on general surgery, trauma/critical care, vascular surgery, surgical oncology, or pediatric surgery.

Objectives:

On completion of this elective, a student will have started a foundation of skills on which a career in general surgery can be built.  A student will be expected to obtain the basic skills required to complete histories and physicals and begin an appropriate diagnostic work-up on surgical patients.  A student will also be expected to acquire the skills necessary to perform basic surgical procedures including simple laceration repair, central venous access, chest tube insertion, and assistance in intraoperative procedures.

Instructional Methodology:

Formal conferences are held daily covering a range of surgical topics relevant to the patient population seen by the surgical staff.  These include general surgery, trauma surgery, vascular surgery, surgical oncology, pediatric surgery, as well as morbidity and mortality.  A student can expect daily walk rounds with the surgical team as well as individual instruction and quizzing from the house staff and surgical faculty.  A student is expected to take in-house call every fourth night as part of the general surgery/trauma team.