CURRICULUM:
Didactic
Lectures, seminars and laboratories have been designed to provide PA Residents with a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of surgical disease processes. Instruction will cover general surgery and subspecialty topics. Emphasis will be placed on the perioperative management of surgical patients including fluids and electrolytes, hyperalimentation, acid/base balance, surgical emergencies, complications, and evaluation of specific organ systems. Cadaver laboatories will include technical skills instruction and practice time for wound closure, chest tube placement, thoracentesis, endoscopic vein harvesting, placement of peripheral lines, etc. In addition to classroom/laboratory instruction, the didactic curriculum will include weekly Attending Rounds, Grand Rounds, M&M Conference and other conferences organized by the Department of Surgery. The initial didactic curriculum will conclude with preparation for clinical rotations. Time is designated for "rounding" with the surgical team and becoming familiar with the routine of the surgical services before assuming clinical responsibilities
Clinical
Physician Assistant Residents will be assigned a workload and duties similar to those of first year (PGY1) physician surgical residents. Duties will include history & physical examinations, writing patient orders and progress notes in the hospital record, responding to and evaluating patient problems, making rounds, ordering diagnostic studies, assisting in the operating room, and performing invasive procedures with appropriate oversight by the supervising physician. Night call will be assigned on a rotating basis. The PA resident will be assigned first-call responsibilities with appropriate supervision and within the scope of his/her practice parameters. The PA Resident will avail himself/herself of additional direction and/or assistance as needed.
Two clinical tracts will be offered, a Cardiothoracic Surgery and General Surgery Training Track. Clinical Rotations make up eleven months of the curriculum.
General Surgery Track:
The General Surgery Track will consist of core rotations including 5-6 months on the General Surgery services including Vascular, GI, Colorectal, Surgical Oncology, Trauma, and Transplant. .Residents will also rotate on select subspecialty rotations such as Cardiothoracic, Plastics, Surgical Intensive Care, Otolaryngology, Neurosurgery, Urology, and two elective rotations.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Track:
The Residents will rotate on the following services: Surgical Intensive Care Unit, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, one month split between Vacation / Elective, two months of Cardiac / General Thoracic Step Down Unit coverage, two months of ACU coverage, and two months of CT operating room coverage. Experienced CT Surgical Physician Assistants will assist in developing and perfecting OR skills including suturing and endoscopic conduit harvesting.
UNIVERSITY/INSTITUTION AFFILIATIONS:
Duke University Medical Center is an integral part of Duke University. Duke Hospital, a private nonprofit institution and one of the largest private hospitals in the south, is part of the Medical Center and currently has 1,124 beds. The hospital directs its efforts toward the goals of cutting edge patient care, professional education, and service to the community.
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