My First Observation

Note: This post is backdated from 21 Jan 09 but I feel like it was an important event in my medical career so I'm posting.


With nothing planned but making welcome packets for the day, I bunkered down and got started. No sooner than I started when the doc, who was in surgery when I got there, walked by. Normally I'm quiet and reserved. I don't think there is anything wrong with it, but from what I've seen, that won't get you anywhere. One thing you must do is be assertive and just go. Worst they can say is no.
I walk up to the doc and asked if I could tag along to whatever she was doing. She agreed and I tagged along.

Shadowing her after a couple of patients, she mentioned she was going to do another lapcoly. What the heck is that? I didn't know but she asked if I want to observe. HELL. YES.
I've never observed live surgery before, sure on discovery health they had those shows, but LIVE surgery? Never.
I followed her to the patient and she did the formalities. I introduced myself and thanked the patient for giving me the opportunity to observe. Hint to any people shadowing. When dealing with patients, always, I mean always give a genuine appreciation.
-These people are not just another case, if you give them a genuine thank you, that develops patient/healthcare professional relationship.
-This gives doctors insight into your bedside manner. If you're giving a timid and shy thank you, it doesn't give mentors any material to work with when writing a letter of recommendation. Remember, you are there for only a couple hours out of the week, you don't have a lot of time to show these people what you can do.

surgery was amazing. It was one of those procedure with the endoscope to minimize on healing time. They first cut incisions into the patient.
*disclaimer, this may or may not be the actual procedure but only from my observation. Do not reference this as any source of medical credibility.
1. incision
2. insert plastic valves to keep the incision open so they can stick instruments through it. Kind of looks like those things they put in cows that allows scientists direct access to the insides.
3. insert gas into the patient to open the cavity up.
4. use tools through the plastic channels to locate, cut, cauterize, and remove the gall bladder

This has got to be one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my life.
Things I've learned today:
-A lapcoly is a procedure to remove the gall bladder
-Surgery is awesome. I'll seriously consider it if I ever get into med school.