Frequently Asked Questions

General

How often will I take call?: Call is generally Q4, but may vary according to your assigned site. Contact your site for specifics.
Do I have to work on holidays?: MS3 should NOT expect to report for work on holidays but may be expected to work weekends.; MS4 are expected to work holidays, unless the start date of the rotation falls on a holiday.; View the UW holiday schedule.
Where do I park for Seattle sites?: UWMC - visit UW Commuter Services website; Harborview - parking is obtained in Room 8EH-70. Call 744-3254 if you have questions regarding HMC parking. Surgery Clerkship students are allowed Boren Garage parking.; Virginia Mason - no parking accomodations. Please contact Virginia Mason site coordinator for assistance.; VA - parking is free
What if I need special accommodations for pregnancy, learning impairment, or physical impairment?: These arrangements are made by Office of Student Affairs in A-300. It is wise, however, to let us know as far in advance as possible so there are no miscues. Please email Anna Nonis
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 ?: Information on WWAMI student travel may be found online at: Student Travel & Policy Procedures. For specific housing quesitons, 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 UW Technology IT services at (206) 543-7012 for assistance.

Clerkship Specific

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.
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 1-2 days (including travel time). Please send all requests to Anna Nonis. For more information, read the SOM Clerkship Absentee Policy
Consensus site grades are supplied by site directors and sent verbatim to the Dean. The Site Directors are:: Billings Clinic: Dr. Scott Dull | Billings Surgical Associates: Dr. Jeffrey Rentz
Boise: Dr. Kim Lynch
Caldwell: Dr. Ronald Cornwell
Casper: Dr. James Anderson
Fairbanks: Dr. Timothy Teslow
Harborview: Dr. Grant O'Keefe
Kalispell: Dr. Sydney Lillard
Madigan: Dr. Scott Steele
Missoula: Dr. Bradley Pickhardt
Sheridan: Dr. Sara Smith
Spokane: Dr. Timothy Bax
UWMC: Dr. Kristine Calhoun
Virginia Mason: Dr. Ravi Moonka
Wenatchee: Dr. Thomas Tuszynski
How do I excel 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.
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 Surgery Clerkship?: 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 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.