Surgery Clerkship: Trauma Rotation

Goal:

To increase the student's knowledge and skill by participating in the evaluation, surgical intervention, ward care, and clinic follow-up of the multiply injured trauma patient.

Objectives
At the conclusion of this rotation, the student will have:

• Acquired an understanding of the initial assessment, resuscitation and stabilization of a trauma patient;
• Evaluated trauma patients, completed a history and physical, and presented a plan of care to the trauma patient care team;
• Observed the surgical intervention of traumatic injuries;
• Participated as appropriate in clinical procedures in the ward setting;
• Acquired an increased understanding of the complexities of trauma care including family support, financial constraints and complex discharge planning, including rehabilitation needs.

Activities
The student is involved in the care of patients on the Trauma Service. These patients frequently have injuries and functional disruption of multiple organ systems, and therefore offer an opportunity in learning complex trauma management. Highlighted are neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal physiology. Students study the interrelationship of anatomy, pathophysiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and microbiology in the management of trauma. Selected readings and didactic presentations are also used as teaching methodology. Students participate as active members of the trauma patient care team.