Resident Advice

From Dr. Wang

Tips for Optimizing Learning in Residency

I don’t have much to teach you.

Most of what we do in otolaryngology - head and neck surgery is not evidence-based. Learn the evidence behind what you are doing and the limitations of that evidence.

Operative

Do each case 3 times:

• 1. Prepare for the Case

     1. Plan as if you are responsible for that patient

     2. Write it down with as much detail as you can.

        1. Communication with anesthesia & nursing?

        2. Instrument trays? sutures/drains?

        3. position of pt and surgeons

     3. It doesn’t matter if you you’ve never done the case before or are an intern or PGY-2. All of the materials to help you prepare are easily available.

     4. Do NOT come to my OR unprepared. If you do, you may be asked to leave.

     5. Tell me your plan

• • • 1. If you show me you are prepared to do the case, I will let you do the case

• 2. Do the Case

  3. Review the Case:

• • 1. Technique:What went well? What didn’t go well? What would you do differently next time?

    2. Patient:

       1. Keep a Case Log(record pathology, short and long-term outcomes)

       2. Review Photos

Non-operative

Look up the primary evidence for what you are doing.

Track your interesting patients(patient list in Epic, folders with relevant articles)

Know the source of your knowledge (the author’s name)

Question everything.

Prioritize learning about your patients over other sources (home study course, in-service review).

Rules

1. Be on time

2. NEVER lie

This includes notes (templates are a pitfall).

Trust takes time to build, but is very easy to lose.

If you make a mistake or forget to do something.

Admit it. Don’t let it happen again, and move on.

3. Follow Through.

Do what you say you are going to do

Make checklists so you don’t forget

4. Everyone is above you.

The MAs, nurses, scrub techs etc.

Learn their names, treat them with respect.

Invest the time to know them,  it will pay off.

5. Respond to Emails, Assignments

Check your kp.org email daily.

Complete tasks in a timely fashion

(med hub, duty hours, case logs)

Yes, there is a lot and they are annoying.

Just get them done on time. Not doing so only leads to more paperwork.