Description

The section of General / Vascular / Colorectal Surgery at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville includes seven full-time surgeons: six general, two vascular and two colorectal. At any one time, there are between 20 and 30 patients on the general and vascular surgical services at Mayo Clinic hospital.

Medical students are assigned to one of the five subservices: general; colon and rectal; hepatobiliary; breast, melanoma or endocrine. Students may opt to rotate on Vascular Surgery in their fourth year as sub-interns or if specific interest or exposure is desired.

Visiting medical students are taught by consulting staff during their clerkship. Students also work directly with residents and experienced physician assistants, well-versed in the management of surgical patients. Medical students play an active role in the day-to-day care of surgical patients.

Specific goals

1. Become familiar with the role of the general/vascular surgeon in the practice of medicine.
2. Gain an understanding of surgical pathophysiology, as well as how patients are selected for operative (including open, laparoscopic or robotic modalities), endoscopic, endovascular, and nonoperative intervention.
3. Gain hands-on experience with minor procedures.
4. Students are expected to independently read and study to obtain broad-based knowledge in surgical disease and management.

Activity outline

Students spend time in the clinic, hospital, and operating room with each of the general surgical consultants. Students thoroughly work up and closely follow two or three new surgical patients each week from their preoperative evaluation to their postoperative care, including assistance in the operating room. Lectures, conferences and hospital rounds complete the surgical clerkship experience.

Method of evaluation

The site director, consulting staff and residents provide mid-term and final evaluations based on day-to-day performance.