The Surgeons' Hand

[VicsTown]

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I am very interested in Surgery (but still premed- I know it is too soon to be thinking about what branch I like, but I am just excited). I have met a lot of others interested in Surgery that talk about how great their "hand dexterity" is. I have played the cello for 11 years but that is about it.

How do you measure hand dexterity?
What physical things (premed/med student) are definite no's to becoming a surgeon? (shaky hands, etc.)
Should you have good hand dexterity before medical school, or will you eventually learn how to perfect your surgical skills?
What traits as a premed should you have (physical or not) that is required for premed?
How can I develop hand dexterity early on?

 

[DHT]

I am very interested in Surgery (but still premed- I know it is too soon to be thinking about what branch I like, but I am just excited). I have met a lot of others interested in Surgery that talk about how great their "hand dexterity" is. I have played the cello for 11 years but that is about it.

How do you measure hand dexterity?
What physical things (premed/med student) are definite no's to becoming a surgeon? (shaky hands, etc.)
Should you have good hand dexterity before medical school, or will you eventually learn how to perfect your surgical skills?
What traits as a premed should you have (physical or not) that is required for premed?
How can I develop hand dexterity early on?

Emphasis on hand dexterity is very much over-rated, especially in premeds. Almost everyone can be taught to be a good surgeon. There are very few individuals out there that just simply lack the hand-eye coordination and dexterity to become a good surgeon. I would imagine that a relatively severe essential tremor would make things difficult, but I know some that deal with it by taking Beta-blockers. Becoming a skilled surgeon is more about repetitions and constant critique of your own technique - two activities you have likely engaged in for the 11 years of cello playing.

Remember that the technical aspect is only one part of being a surgeon. I would say the most important quality someone could possess is a strong work ethic.

 

[45408]

Not very important at all. Almost everyone has adequate dexterity. It's knowing what to do with your hands that takes the time and practice.

 

[OtoHNS]

I'd say 10-20% of surgery trainees have naturally good hands, and even they have to practice and work at it to become competent surgeons. Everybody else just has to practice more and work a little harder to get it down.