Fast Track Surgery: Trauma, Orthopaedics and the ... - PasTest

CHAPTER 2: SURVIVING TRAUMA,ORTHOPAEDICS & THE SUBSPECIALTIESDepending on the sub-specialty, life on the wards can be pretty chilledout (eg otolaryngology) or can be really demanding (eg trauma &orthopaedics). Use the following tips to help you cope.APPEARANCEDress smartly and make an effort to appear neat. You will see hundredsof patients, but the patients only see a few of you. White coats help,but be willing to take yours off if it makes a patient anxious (white coathypertension). Remember you’re on a ward dealing with patients, andnot in a fashion show. Conservative is always better.PART IATTITUDEYou must be a keener, but in measured amounts so as not to nauseatefellow students and junior doctors! Strike a balance. A lacklustreattitude leads to lacklustre teaching. Develop thick skin quickly.Sarcasm is common in surgery. Take things in your stride, not personally(unless it was meant to be personal). Be polite, especially to the wardsister who runs the show. Offer to do jobs. Speak up when spoken to,but never backchat. Humility is a virtue. If you can’t be humble withyour knowledge (or lack thereof), be confident with caution, but nevercocky. Share information with colleagues and never show others up.Keep skiving to a minimum and make sure everyone pulls his or herweight: the adage ‘one bad apple spoils the whole lot’ rings true wheremost busy consultant surgeons are concerned, and you’ll then have toreally shine to avoid being grouped with slackers.WHAT TO CARRYHave the following handy at all times:• Notebook and pen (have one extra for junior doctors)• Stethoscope• Tongue depressors (while in ENT)• Penlight (handy for lumps and bumps and looking in throats)• Blood and X-ray forms• This book!5