Shadowing a Surgeon

[Yonah]

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I just shadowed an Orthopedic surgeon today and during the shadow, I had some etiquette questions arise. For starters:

The surgeon was nice however he was very quiet. When he talked to me, it was hard to hear the whole time. It was probably because his back was to me, he had a mask on, i was three feet behind him and they were playing music. Would it be appropriate or would it be rude to ask him to speak up because I cannot hear him.

Furthermore, the surgeon and his staff in the OR were chit-chatting a lot about random stuff as they worked. They started talking about the Lord of the Rings trilogy (which I had watched the night before, just by chance) and they couldn't think of an actress' name. I knew it but didn't say anything. It is acceptable to join in these casual conversations with them during the operation or should I be a total shadow and not say a word.

Finally is it alright to ask questions in the middle of the operation (obviously ones that pertain to it) or should I compile them and ask after the operation has been completed.

Thanks!

 

[gasblaster]

I just shadowed an Orthopedic surgeon today and during the shadow, I had some etiquette questions arise. For starters:

The surgeon was nice however he was very quiet. When he talked to me, it was hard to hear the whole time. It was probably because his back was to me, he had a mask on, i was three feet behind him and they were playing music. Would it be appropriate or would it be rude to ask him to speak up because I cannot hear him.

Furthermore, the surgeon and his staff in the OR were chit-chatting a lot about random stuff as they worked. They started talking about the Lord of the Rings trilogy (which I had watched the night before, just by chance) and they couldn't think of an actress' name. I knew it but didn't say anything. It is acceptable to join in these casual conversations with them during the operation or should I be a total shadow and not say a word.

Finally is it alright to ask questions in the middle of the operation (obviously ones that pertain to it) or should I compile them and ask after the operation has been completed.

Thanks!

This belongs in the premed forum.

 

[Smurfette]

moving to hSDN...

Also, contributing to a casual OR conversation is generally ok. Asking pertinent questions about the procedure is also appropriate, during the procedure is ok if there are not obvious problems occurring (i.e. if there is a flurry of activity, cursing, or general tense vibe going on, this is NOT a good time to ask questions). Asking afterwards is also ok if you aren't sure.

 

[Winged Scapula]

As noted above, there is nothing wrong with participating in the idle conversation made during the case. I rather like it when a student or resident acts like a normal person around me rather than trying to kiss up to me all the time.

It can be difficult to hear and understand what is being said in the operating room. It is a skill that comes with time. You can ask the surgeon to repeat themselves but I wouldn't do it very often. And never ask questions or try to engage the surgical team in idle chatter when something is going wrong. You will note list by a tense atmosphere, use of foul language, sometimes yelling or sometimes being totally silent. It will depend on the surgeon.

 

[YouNeverKnow22]

general rule I've learned, only speak when spoken to.

 

[Shinobiz11]

Whatever you do, don't look them directly in the eyes. They take this as a challenge and will immediately proceed to chuck portions of their own fecal matter at you.

All joking aside, yeah go ahead. Just don't try to impress them with your "knowledge".

 

[ucsfstudents]

Agree with everything said above. Also, I wouldn't ask the surgeon to speak up, or make any changes to their natural behavior. Some might take it as you being rude. I think what you experienced was a great opportunity that not all premeds get to have. Kudos to you for being proactive.