I'm an MS1, and I'd like to learn more about this field since I like procedures, physio, and pharm (all the usual stuff). Do you guys recommend shadowing a few people? I've actually never been in an OR before (just assisted with minor outpatient procedures) so I don't know much about the field first-hand. Thanks!
How to determine if anesthesia is right for me?
- Thread starter RedPeony
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Shadowing anesthesia can be counter-productive. Our job involves a lot of thinking in addition to the "doing" (procedures). The procedures aren't that much fun to watch (e.g., intubation by direct laryngoscopy). They're more fun to DO. So shadowing, especially at an early point in med school, may not give you a clear picture of what it is we're doing. I'm not saying don't do it; I'm just saying don't count out anesthesia just yet based on your experience.
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Well, you could shadow in the ICU.
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Here's how you decide if anesthesia is right for you: smack yourself in the head with a 2X4 about a dozen times. Then shove a dildo up your a ss sans lube and remove. If you can tolerate that, then you should be okay for anesthesia.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Done and Done!
Piggybacking on this subject I have set up a shadowing opportunity with anesthesia doc and I was wondering what, if anything, you would like a first year med student to know. I am aware that there are encyclopedias worth of knowledge I don't have that are necessary to appreciate this discipline. Just wondering if there are concepts you as residents and docs would like to have a 1st year know before shadowing. Thanks in advance!
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Which end of the patient the endotracheal tube goes in.
Really though I would not expect much at that point.
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If you think you like anesthesiology then go ahead and shadow a few people. You might get a feel for the "personalities" who tend to go into the field and the logistics of the job (hours, who you work with, stuff you do on a daily basis).
I would also encourage you to be open to, and shadow in, various other specialties too. Lots of premeds and MS1/2/3s have preconceived notions of what specialties they like and what they'd be good at, only to have those notions change when the rubber meets the road.
As far as what you'd be expected to know, if you've done the majority of MS1 physiology/anatomy that should be plenty to have a decent framework to get the scientific basis of what we do. More important to bring a friendly and open attitude to your shadowing day.
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As always, how many mg/ml in a 1% solution will be asked if anything is asked. Answer correctly and you will impress him.
Thanks for the input everyone! Yeah, I'm under no delusions about my knowledge base. I am planning on doing all the usual stuff (show up early stay late if appropriate, good attitude etc) I was also planning on knowing my O2 sat curve, endotracheal procedure, and potentially reading up on ultrasound guided techniques such as nerve blocks. I have set up shadowing experiences with a few areas of interest and am trying to maximize the opportunity. Any and all suggestions are appreciated!
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