This is one of the unique aspects of Surgery, and represents a significant educational experience for students. You should prepare for each case by reviewing available patient information and reading about the disease process and operative procedures. You should arrive in the OR prior to the induction of anesthesia. There are a number of roles played by different personnel in the OR, and it is generally a confusing place until you grow accustomed to the environment. No, one, including your attending, understood all of the procedures and protocols in the OR when they first started. It is better to ask others what you should be doing than to act when you are uncertain. Many students do not take advantage of the many hours that they spend with the housestaff and faculty in the OR. It is certainly reasonable to ask questions during the case but you should be sensitive about timing. There are parts of complex procedures that will require the housestaff and attending physician's complete attention. It would be prudent to always ask "Is this a good time to ask a question?" before doing so during an operative procedure.
Scrubs are provided for our use in the OR and to wear in the evening when you are on call. Scrubs should not be worn outside of the OR unless you expect to return to the OR later that same day. If you leave the OR in scrubs, you should remove your hats and shoe covers. These policies are designed to protect patients, health care providers, and others from Blood Borne Diseases. Soiled scrubs should be returned to the laundry hamper in the OR.
