I think if you're not planning on going into surgery, then doing it first or second is a good thing. I did mine first, and the interns/residents/attendings all knew it was our first rotation. So the expectations are pretty low at the start. However, as with any other rotation, be sure to show improvement throughout and you'll do fine.
Here are some tips that may be helpful:
- Surgical H&Ps are not like medical H&Ps. They are a lot more focused, so you'll rarely do a full H&P. SOAP notes are even shorter. Just be observant on how your intern/resident performs their H&P and writes their SOAPs. Just be sure you do the parts of the physical the way you're supposed to (i.e. stethescope on the skin, not on the gown/clothes).
- Surgical Recall is pretty much a necessity for pimping. Find out what case you'll be scrubbing in on the day before, read about them, and be ready to answer questions. Some attendings pimp, some don't.
- You may or may not have the opportunity to suture or tie knots. It'll depend on your service/resident/attending. For an M3 level, the simple interrupted suture and two-handed knot tying are all that is expected of you.
- Grow a thick skin. Surgeons have that stereotype for a reason. Some are great and into teaching, others not so much and won't say a word to you, while others can be abrasive. Just don't take things personally.
- Eat/drink when you can, sit when you can, pee when you can, poo when you can.
There's probably more that I'm not able to think about right now. PM me if you've got other questions.
