Surgery Clerkship: Trauma Rotation Goals
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.
