CLINICAL
EXTERNSHIP:
Clinical
Externship is the third phase of the course, in which each
student must complete 135 cases in the following areas:
A. General
Surgery: Minimum of 35 cases
B. Minimum of 50 cases in the specialty of your choice.
C. Minimum of 50 cases in additional specialties
Suggested
additional specialties:
1. Pediatric surgery
2. Neurosurgery
3. Hand surgery
4. Plastic surgery
5. Obstetric and Gynecologic surgery
6. Thoracic surgery
7. Genitourinary surgery
8. Trauma surgery
9. Transplant surgery
10. Ear, nose, and throat surgery
11. Ophthalmic surgery
12. Cardiovascular surgery
13. Oral surgery
14. Procurement surgery
15. Orthopedic surgery
16. Endoscopic (lap and or thoracic)
All cases must be done with a
sponsoring surgeon or a Meridian-approved preceptor. Students will
fill out case logs on a daily basis, as well as secure preceptor
agreement forms and evaluations.
STANDARDS OF CLINICAL
EXTERNSHIP:
Clinical Externship is intended to provide
training and clinical practice in basic surgical skills applicable to the student surgical
first assistant. Thus, the following are required:
1. Completion of 135 cases as specified in
various specialties of surgery.
2. Training under direct supervision and
guidance of a qualified preceptor or Surgeon.
3. Externship must be completed within
one year of beginning program, which is considered to be the date when the first quiz is
logged into the academic program. In addition, the academic modules, as well as the
applied sciences lab, must be completed prior to starting preceptorship.
PRECEPTOR GUIDELINES:
1. Must be efficient in all areas of
surgery.
2. Must have practiced as surgeon or
surgical assistant (with certification) for no less than five years.
3. Has performed no less the two hundred
cases in past twelve months (must be able to produce proof if needed).
4. Must be honest and uphold the highest
level of integrity when evaluating student and filling out necessary forms. lf found
otherwise, all cases supervised by this preceptor will not count towards completion.
5. Must be willing to spend needed time
with student to share technical skills and knowledge about case, anatomy, etc.
STUDENT GUIDELINES/OBJECTIVES
DURING CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP:
1. Student shall abide by all hospital
policies and rules while in facility.
2. Student will conduct himself/herself in
a professional manner at all times.
3. Student must accept constructive
criticism while maintaining a positive attitude. He/she will avoid confrontational
attitude with preceptor or surrounding staff.
4. Student will handle concerns/complaints
with preceptor first, concerning clinical time. lf not addressed to student's
satisfaction, concern may be brought to educator's attention and grievance process will
ensue only if necessary.
5. Student shall converse and report to
preceptor at the end of each day to gauge progress of preceptorship.
TIME FRAME OBJECTIVES FOR PHASE III
STUDENTS:
- Upon completion of first 10 cases,
the student will be able to tie both deep and superficially while providing basic
exposure, adequately positioning patient appropriate to procedure, and maintaining sterile
technique upon catheterizing patient.
- Upon completion of 15 cases,
the student will be able to perform basic tissue handling, advanced tying (around a
hemostat, and suture ligatures), and provide appropriate exposure for surgeon.
- Upon completion of 20 cases,
the student will be able to perform all basic skills outlined in the scope of practice
found in handbook. The student should use the next 90 cases to refine his/her skills.
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