Introduction

Resident surgeons are in the midst of an intense phase of their medical careers. During their residency, they gain hands-on experience, develop advanced surgical skills, and take on increasing responsibilities as they prepare to become fully licensed surgeons. This article provides a snapshot of what a typical day might look like for a resident surgeon.

Early Morning: Rounding and PREOP Preparation

A resident surgeon's day often begins early, around 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. The first task is usually to round on patients who are recovering from surgery or are scheduled for procedures that day. This involves checking their vital signs, reviewing their medical charts, and discussing their progress with attending surgeons and other members of the surgical team. This morning routine is critical for ensuring that all patients are stable and that any necessary adjustments to their care are made before surgery.

Morning: Performing Surgeries

After rounds, the resident surgeon heads to the operating room. Mornings are typically filled with surgeries, ranging from routine procedures to complex operations. As a resident, they are often involved in various aspects of the surgery, including assisting with the procedure, performing parts of the operation under supervision, and learning new techniques. The surgical team usually includes attending surgeons, fellow residents, anesthesiologists, and scrub nurses.

Midday: POSTOP Care and Patient Consultations

Once surgeries are completed, the resident surgeon focuses on postop care. This includes monitoring patients in the recovery room, managing their pain and other immediate needs, and ensuring they are stable before transferring them to their hospital rooms. In addition, the resident may meet with patients and their families to discuss the outcomes of the surgery and provide instructions for recovery.

Afternoon: Clinical Duties and Educational Activities

The afternoon is typically dedicated to a mix of clinical duties and educational activities. Clinical duties may include seeing new patients in the clinic, performing minor procedures, or reviewing patient cases. Education is a significant component of residency, so afternoons often involve attending lectures, participating in case discussions, or working on research projects. These activities help resident surgeons stay current with medical advancements and improve their knowledge and skills.

Late Afternoon: Documentation and Admin Work

As the day progresses, resident surgeons spend time documenting their activities, including surgical notes, patient progress, and any other relevant information. Accurate and thorough documentation is essential for maintaining patient records and ensuring continuity of care. Additionally, resident surgeons may handle administrative tasks like coordinating with other departments, managing patient appointments, and reviewing test results.

Evening: On-Call Duties and Preparing for Tomorrow

Residency often involves being on call, which means that the resident surgeon may need to handle emergencies or urgent cases outside of regular hours. Evening duties can include responding to calls from the emergency department, managing overnight patients, or participating in emergency surgeries. Preparing for the next day is also an important task, which involves reviewing the surgical schedule, checking patient charts, and planning for upcoming procedures.

Conclusion

The life of a resident surgeon is characterized by long hours, high stress, and significant responsibility. Each day brings a mix of surgical procedures, patient care, educational activities, and administrative tasks. Despite the challenges, residency is a crucial period for developing the skills, knowledge, and resilience needed for a successful career in surgery.

Works Cited

“A Day in the Life of a Surgical Resident.” American College of Surgeons (ACS), 2023, www.facs.org/resident-life.

“What to Expect During Surgical Residency.” Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), 2023, www.aamc.org/surgical-residency.

“Surgical Residency: A Comprehensive Overview.” American Board of Surgery (ABS), 2023, www.absurgery.org/surgical-residency.

“The Role of a Resident Surgeon.” Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS), 2023, www.journalacs.org/resident-surgeon.