Originally posted by mpat78
hi there,
I will be a senior this summer and was planning on doing an externship in surgery but having a tough time targeting a particular institution. Anyone done an externship and have suggestions, please let me know. Thanks
mpat78,
I externed at LSU New Orleans, LSU Shreveport, Houston, and San Antonio while I was in dental school. In my experience, LSU New Orleans allowed me to do the most as a student. I was able to wire about 40 jaws during my mouth, take out a slew of teeth, sew a few lacs, and pre-round/write notes in the mornings.
I would just suggest that you bust ass on your externship, BE HUMBLE, and never complain about hours or not getting do something that you want to do. Working hard is the best thing you can do. Take the first few days to feel things out.
Residents will notice if you do these things and will be more willing to let you do stuff. When I get a good extern I let them do everything they can and I take them out on the town. When I get one that sucks I ignore them. Residents will also tell the attendings about you, which could mean a spot for you in the program and/or a letter of recommendation.
Since I've been a resident I've seen some good externs and some that won't wake up until 8:00am. Always ask what you can do to help, look for things to do, volunteer to do the scut work (tracking down x-rays, changing dressing, etc).
A huge pet peeve among all residents I know is students giving us pointers. DO NOT GIVE "POINTERS" TO THE RESIDENTS. Ask questions all you want, but do it in a tone that suggest you are curious and don't know the answer. Even if you think the resident is a huge idiot b/c of something you're read or heard, don't convey that thought. Just say, "Hey, I've heard blank before, is it true?" Also don't say that stuff in front of patients. Remember, READING about stuff is different from actual experience.
Finally, don't do anything that might embarass a resident or make him look bad in front of the attending (like pointing out something they forgot to do). If the attending asks the residents a question (pimping) let them answer first--you should be the last to chime in. However, it is good to respectfully make friends with attendings.
I hope this is helpful.