Procedure Question

[eyesarecool]

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Can a Pediatrics resident get by without performing non-therapeutic neonatal circumcisions?

 

[J-Rad]

This is probably a question best asked of individual programs (start with program coordinator) but I would guess the answer to be yes. RRC requires only "exposure" to the procedure, not actual skills with the procedure. Fundamentally what would be required of you would be knowledge about the indications, risks, benefits, and alternatives as well as post procedure care (both routine and complications), but this would not require you to do the procedures. If you made the case for an ethical reason for choosing not to do elective circs, I believe most programs would accomodate that request. As a kindness to your future colleagues who might have to pick up some extra work for that decision, I would offer to offload some other procedures or busiwork in the meantime-but this a personal decision, not any "requirement".

 

[jdc5]

you can most definitely get by without doing any circumcisions during your residency. There are certain procedures that are required; intubations, lumbar punctures, UAC and UVCs (I think those are the required list). Then there is a list of procedures that they would prefer you have exposure to but are definitely not required; circs, venipuncture, foleys, etc.

The official list is here in the ACGME program requirements.
http://acgme.org/acWebsite/downloads/RRC_progReq/320_pediatrics_07012007.pdf
see page 16 although the list we use only has the four that I mention above as the absolutely required list.

 

[eyesarecool]

Thank you J-Rad and jdc5. I have no problem with performing therapeutic circumcisions. It's the elective ones that I have a problem with. I would also voice my concern with the program during the interview. I'm just a premed, but I was just curious about all of that. Thanks.

 

[eyesarecool]

What about the prescribing of contraceptives for the sole purpose of contraception?

 

[rock_climber]

What about the prescribing of contraceptives for the sole purpose of contraception?

You are not required to do this either. We've had a bunch of discussions at my school about this and physicians that object to prescribing OCP will often have another doctor do it, have the nurse help the patient find another doc for the prescription, or let female patients know when they make the appointment that the doc doesn't prescribe OCP. Also, many may avoid fields (esp. OB) that frequently require prescribing OCP if you have a moral objection to it.

 

[kristing]

I did NO circumcisions at my residency program and graduated. I made sure I knew the guidelines for what's required though, when I brought it up with my PD. (and the above posters are right - you only have to have exposure to it and be taught if you so choose. You do not have to do them.)

 

[jonb12997]

I would also voice my concern with the program during the interview.

I would make sure that you put it as a "I was just curious what the requirements are for preforming circumcisions or getting exposure"... definitely not a "I'm not going to be doing ANY non-therapeutic circumcisions if I come here, I just wanted to tell you that now".