• PRECEPTORSHIPS
• CLERKSHIP
  • First things First
  • Course Objectives
  • Orientation
  • Texts
  • Patient Case Log
  • Lectures
  • Write ups & Lit Reviews
  • Knot Tying Course
  • Dress Code
  • Grade Chart
  • FAQ's
• ELECTIVES
• EVALUATIONS
• FACULTY
• VISITING STUDENTS
• SURGERY CAREER?

Frequently Asked Questions

 Can I choose my site for 665?

  Sites are assigned by lottery (see below) six weeks before the start of each clerkships. The department allows you the opportunity to "opt out" of one site, but you may not choose your site. You must notify Anna Nonis of your opt out choice at least six weeks prior to your start date.

 How is the 665 lottery done?

1. by site spaces available (6 at UW and HMC, 2 at VM, and 4 at VA)
2. allowing one opt out
3. by gender

 Will I be on call my first night of the clerkship?

 This may happen. It is a good idea to come prepared to take call the first day just in case.

 How often will I be on call?

 Call is Q4. Generally 8 times during your six week clerkship. Contact your site for specifics.

 How many hours per week will I be expected to work during this rotation?

  Please read the work hours policy

 Do I have to work on holidays?

  The MS3 should NOT expect to report for work on holidays but WILL be expected to work weekends. Click to view the UW holiday schedule for the academic year.

 Where do I park?

• UWMC - visit UW Commuter Services website
• Harborview - parking is obtained in Room 8EH-70. The parking office opens at 7AM. Call 731-3254 if you have questions regarding HMC parking. Surgery 665 students are allowed Boren Garage parking.
• Virginia Mason - please contact Susan Rheinberger. Susan.Rheinberger@vmmc.org or 206-625-7373 x 63311
• Parking is free at the VA.

 What if I need special accommodations for pregnancy, learning impairment, or physical impairment?

  These arrangements are made by A300. It is wise, however, to let us know as far in advance as possible so there are no miscues. Please e-mail Anna Nonis

 What if I need a day off for a wedding or a conference?

  Please do NOT assume you can get the time off. With permission from the clerkship director, students may be excused for 2 days (including travel time). Please send all requests to Anna Nonis. For more information, read the SOM Clerkship Absentee Policy

 What if I get sick?

 Email your team Chief Resident and Anna Nonis ASAP.

 How do I arrange housing at one of the WWAMI sites ?

• contact the site coordinator where you are assigned

 Will I be supplied with a pager?

 No, it is your responsibility to obtain a pager.

 What if I forget my access code for patient data privileges?

 Call 543.7012 for assistance.

 Consensus site grades are supplied by site coordinators and sent verbatim to the Dean. The Site Coordinators are:

• Dr. Housinger - Billings
• Dr. Lynch - Boise
• Dr. Anderson - Casper
• Dr. Teslow - Fairbanks
• Dr. O'Keefe - Harborview
• Dr. Steele - Madigan
• Dr. Bax - Spokane
• Dr. Calhoun - UWMC
• Dr. Tatum - VAMC
• Dr. Moonka - Virginia Mason
• Dr. Pickhardt - Missoula

 How do I fare well on the clinical portion of the rotation?

 Know your patients and their disease processes, be prepared for the operating room with an understanding of the procedure, alternatives and relevant anatomy and physiology. Be a proactive and ENTHUSIASTIC member of the surgical team.

 What are my chances of an Honors grade?

 With the 2002 graduating class the Surgery Department granted the following grades in the required clinical clerkship: 21% Honors; 25% High Pass; 52% Pass. These stats have been consistent for several years.

 Is one site more generous with clinical Honors?

 Historically, no, although the results are uneven over the span of the academic year (e.g. more honors in January than in July)

 What if I fail 665?

 You must fail the clinical portion of the clerkship or two separate written exams. If this happens you must repeat the clerkship at a different site.

 What if I have to take a second written 665 examination?

 We have found that failure of the final examination is a knowledge-base problem. Wait at least four weeks before scheduling a second test. This gives you time to read and study.

 If, at the end of my clerkship, all my write-ups have not been returned , what should I do?

 Please notify the support staff at your site which faculty members still have your work. This will help in getting your grade compiled in a timely fashion.

 If I finished my clerkship a long time ago and I haven't received a grade, what should I do?

 Contact Anna Nonis for help. Grades must be processed by Anna before they go to the Dean's office. Professors and students must not give grades directly to the Dean.

 When can I take my final exam?

 The final exam for the surgery clerkship is always given on the last Friday morning of the rotation. Please plan to take the exam at that time.

 I want to be a surgeon and I "only" achieved a High Pass grade in the clerkship. Will I end up having to choose another specialty?

 No. You will match in a general surgery program.

 

updated 6/08