Surgery 830 is an 8-week clerkship that immerses students into the practice of general surgery at a rural tertiary care medical center. Throughout the rotation, students develop an understanding of the core principles of surgery while gaining firsthand experience in applying these principles to the care of diverse surgical patients. The curriculum is designed collaboratively among the three campuses (Morgantown, Charleston and Eastern) to provide a comprehensive, yet consistent educational experience. Students are actively involved in daily rounds, surgical procedures, and a wide variety of operative cases. Educational experiences are guided by resident physicians and surgical faculty who have experience in many specialties.
Students are an integral part of the surgical team actively participating in the evaluation and management of patients. Students are expected to perform physical examinations, develop differential diagnosis, and participate in surgical procedures and other clinical/operative experiences.
A course of surgical lectures and simulations, designed around core topics in general surgery, are presented by faculty who are experts in their respective fields. Further, subspecialty topics are presented by faculty with intense interest in these subjects. The SOLE website provides access to recorded lectures from each campus ensuring students are exposed to the core curriculum.
Student performance will be assessed through written assignments, a midterm examination, oral presentations, the NBME Surgery Subject Examination, and direct observation by resident physicians and faculty throughout the clerkship.
Each student will have a similar experience in the core general surgery areas regardless of the faculty composition and patient population at each of the campuses. Students will be exposed to patients having oncologic, general surgery, and trauma injuries at each site. Patient encounters and case-discussions with providers from various specialties at each site will provide students to clinical exposure needed to develop a strong understanding of surgical diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care.
Our goal is to provide an enjoyable and positive learning experience during your 8-week surgical clerkship. The syllabus can be found on the SOLE website serving as comprehensive guide to the rotation. Included is: