Though he is now retired, a large part of Dr. Thomas Taylor’s career was spent helping to prepare new surgeons for the challenges that awaited them in their chosen profession. He trained hundreds of surgical residents during a career that took him from Manchester, England to Houston, Texas, which offered him valuable insight into what residents can do to make the most of their opportunities and build towards their future careers. If you are preparing to start your first surgical residency you should try to keep these tips in mind.
Be On Time
As a resident, you will become part of a large team that needs to run like clockwork to ensure patients receive the care they need. You will be assigned surgeries every day, with specific timeframes in regards to when the procedure is to take place and how long it should take. You need to stick to this schedule as closely as possible, so make sure you turn up on time for any procedures you are to be a part of. Keep a record of your schedule as far in advance as possible, as tardiness can throw a spanner in the works.
Learn Your Hospital’s Layout
One of the first tasks you will need to accomplish as a resident is learning the layout of the hospital you will be working at, particularly the areas where you will spend the majority of your time. A lot of valuable time could end up being wasted if you neglect this task, as you may find yourself getting lost. This can result in the development of a bad reputation and may even be catastrophic to your patients if you waste valuable time in emergency situations.
Be Prepared For Anything
No two days will be the same when you are a surgical resident and you need to be prepared for any situation that is thrown at you. Being called up for emergency procedures is fairly common, so do what you can to stay alert and ready. Remember to keep reading and developing your skills, as the information you learn could prove valuable in emergency situations.
Develop Relationships With Patients
Your patients need care beyond what you provide when they are on the surgical table, so make sure you focus on building relationships. Trust plays a vital role in the relationship between patients and surgeons and you can’t build this if you don’t communicate.
Take Time For You
Dr. Thomas Taylor is very aware of the demands placed on surgical residents, which is why it is very important that they take time for themselves when they are able. Being engrossed in your work at all times can lead to fatigue developing, which results in mistakes being made at crucial moments.
Dr Thomas Taylor 