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Interested in learning more about this rotation? Start the process for a free introductory meeting with our team
Physician ID:
281
Hours:
Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 5 PM (please note that the physician’s schedule changes considerably from week to week as the doctor takes 24-hour call at the hospital on different days; you will be able to join the physician for these calls; therefore, your days may last longer on some days of the week). Occasionally, there may be hospital duty on a Saturday.
Hours have been provided by the preceptor. Hours are subject to change at the preceptor’s discretion, but the minimum total hours will remain approximately the same.
Location: Tucson
This inpatient and outpatient US clinical experience will take place in Tucson, Arizona. Most of the time will be spent in a hospital within a few miles of downtown Tucson. One to two times per week, you will be in the outpatient clinic located south of the city. Rotators will be responsible for arranging their own transportation.
Inpatient/Outpatient US Clinical Experience in General Surgery in Tucson
Specialties: General Surgery
Location: Tucson
Price:
Hospital Letterhead: Yes
Faculty Appointment: Yes - Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Information about this clinical experience:
This rotation split between the inpatient and outpatient settings will be under the supervision of a board-certified general surgeon with years of experience educating U.S. medical students as well as international medical students and graduates. The physician serves as a faculty preceptor for osteopathic medical students from Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.
In the hospital, you will join the physician for surgical call. The physician is on call one to two times per week for a 24-hour period. During this time, the surgeon will be present in the hospital and available to handle the emergent and urgent surgical needs of patients coming to the emergency department. You will learn how to perform a focused and accurate history of new patients in the ED with acute surgical needs and develop a diagnostic plan.
The hospital component will also include time spent in the OR where you will observe the preceptor perform a range of surgeries. You will also be involved in the postoperative care of patients and learn how to recognize and manage common conditions such as fever, hypoxia, and confusion.
One half day per week, you will attend wound care clinic with the preceptor. This will be an important aspect of your experience as the prevalence of chronic wounds is significant in the U.S. population. There is substantial morbidity and mortality associated with many types of chronic wounds, and delayed or inappropriate care can lead to amputation; therefore, being skilled in the delivery of optimal wound care is important. Unfortunately, residents training in the U.S. often do not receive sufficient training in this area and this can lead to errors that have a significant impact on patient progress and healing. Your exposure to patients with chronic wounds in this clinic will allow you to determine the factors that have led to its development and develop a targeted plan to properly treat the wound. You will note that the care of these patients can be complex requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
You will also spend time in the physician’s outpatient clinic where you will assess patients referred to the preceptor for evaluation of surgical issues. You will also see patients for follow-up after surgery.
Through this experience, you will be exposed to several different EMRs, including NextGen in the office, WoundExpert in the wound clinic, and Cerner in the hospital.
During your experience, you will learn the following U.S. medical practices under the preceptor’s supervision:
Taking patient histories under supervision.
Performing exams under the physician's supervision.
Scrubbing in and observing surgeries in the operating room.
Presenting patients.
Writing or entering progress notes in the EMR (NextGen in clinic and Cerner in hospital)
Researching the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.
Educating patients under supervision.
Spending time with other healthcare professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities.
Who should consider this rotation:
International medical graduates (IMGs) and students seeking US clinical experience in general surgery.
How to obtain a letter of recommendation:
The rotator should ask the preceptor for a LOR near the conclusion of the rotation. Dr. Desai has provided the physician with guidelines about best practices in letter writing that meet residency program requirements. In some cases, the preceptor may ask the rotator to write a letter of recommendation draft.
During the rotation:
Our team will be checking in periodically with you to ensure that you are having an optimal experience. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions during the rotation.
Testimonials
Dr. X is an excellent physician and a knowledgeable teacher. One of the doctor's greatest strengths as a preceptor is the ability to recognize and encourage a learner’s strengths while also identifying gaps in knowledge that the learner may not yet recognize. I always felt heard and supported, but I was also consistently challenged to think more critically and grow clinically.
The doctor taught me not only how to interpret laboratory results and imaging, but also how to communicate those findings effectively and compassionately to patients. In particular, I learned how to approach difficult conversations, including delivering a cancer diagnosis, in a way that is both direct and empathetic. These are skills that I know will be invaluable throughout residency and beyond.
The office staff were also incredible and became an important part of my education. They were patient, supportive, and willing to teach, and the entire team created an environment in which I felt trusted to become increasingly independent. I was able to perform and assist with far more procedures than I had expected, largely because of the teaching, supervision, and confidence that Dr. X and the staff placed in me.
This rotation provided an exceptional amount of clinical exposure and hands-on experience. I encountered a wide variety of patients, conditions, procedures, and challenging conversations, and I came away feeling significantly more prepared for residency. I am extremely grateful for the education, mentorship, and trust I received during this rotation.
MP
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