Preparing to attend

Make sure you arrive on time. 7:30am for morning list. 12:30 for afternoon list.

Revise ‘How to do a Pelvic Examination’ as theatre is a good place to perform these.

Bring your consent stickers.

It can be useful to work out who the registrar is on the list, and message them ahead of time to let them know you are coming.

It is also useful if you look up the patients ahead of time so you get the most out of the list.

When you arrive

Go to the charging rooms and get into scrubs, then go to preop area. Introduce yourself to the pre-op staff, and tell them who’s list you are on.

Wait there until the doctor arrives. Tell them whether you have had a chance to look up the cases.

Ask if any of the patients would be suitable for Pelvic Examination.

If you do not have your own named theatre hat, you will need to put tape on your hat and write your ‘name’ + ‘medical student’. This not only improves safety in theatre, but also increases the likelihood that the other staff in theatre will get you involved.

What you might be able to do from the logbook

• Conduct a speculum/bimanual examination

• Interpret urinary pregnancy test

• Insert a urinary cathetar

• Assist in theatre: D+C, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy (See Page 8-9)

Other opportunities to look out for

• Learn how to consent for surgical procedures

• Learn how to prepare discharge summaries & operation notes