Reflecting over the events of the past week I can say that for sure it has been one of the most unique and enriching experiences of my medical career. Our group was incredibly diverse, not only from different parts of the world but also from different backgrounds from first year medical students to nurses to residents and fellows. Each brought a unique perspective to the conference with their experiences.

Too often we are blinded by the “Tribes” we belong to. Doctors interact with doctors, nurses with nurses and so on. Only when one “tribe” needs the services of one of the others does cross communication take place. Each have their own reports or sign-outs and do their own tasks during their shift. The concept of hierarchy complicates matters further as both within and between tribes there are those that traditionally have been expected to be subservient, quiet and revere those… Continue reading →

I didn’t realize it but I am coming to this conference during the ideal time for me. I just began my third year of medical school – making the transition from the classroom to working in the hospital. Specifically, I have begun with surgery. I am learning a lot about my new environment, but being the newest and most inexperienced member of the team has made me lean toward being a silent member of the team. However, being here I have realized that I should really take note of my new surroundings and examine them critically.

Last week, I noticed that different residents and attendings removed the tourniquet at different times during surgery- anywhere from finishing the major repair of the bone in orthopedics up to the point of waking a patient from surgery. Was this harming the patient by affecting infection rates or risking ischemia?… Continue reading →