510-692 Surgery

Contact

Subject Description

The major objective is provision of a broad base of general knowledge, skills and attitudes, which will provide sufficient detailed factual knowledge and practical skills to recognise surgical problems and allow correct decisions to be made about management. Secondary objectives are to (i) consolidate bedside methods and skills, (ii) expand knowledge of surgically related diseases with emphasis on investigation and management, (iii) gain practical experience in a variety of surgical specialist services, (iv) learn assessment and treatment of the injured and acutely ill patient, (v) gain basic skills and knowledge of anaesthesia.

The course will place particular emphasis on gaining clinical skills by involvement in patient care. Topics covered will include: general surgery; surgical pathology; solid tumour oncology; management of burns and processes of rehabilitation. Principles of speciality surgical areas, including cardio-thoracic surgery; neurosurgery; spinal cord injury; orthopedic surgery; plastic and reconstructive surgery; otorhinolaryngology; ophthalmology. Assessment and resuscitation of injured or acutely ill patients; management of soft tissue injury; skin grafting and wound dressing; diagnosis and management of common fractures and joint injuries, including application of splints and plaster casts. Methods, pharmacology and basic skills of general and local anaesthesia, including care of the unconscious patient and maintenance of an airway.

Assessment

A 3-hour end-of-year written examination; a 1-hour long-case presentation and a 20-minute confined short case/patient management oral at the end of the 14-week surgical rotation. Students must pass both the written and clinical/oral examinations.