Friday 23 February 2007

And so it begins...

Today was my last day of paediatrics. I've really enjoyed the last 7 weeks and paediatrics has gone up on my list of potential careers! I do wonder how much of my enjoyment came as a result of having such a great consultant. Had I spent 7 weeks with someone else I probably wouldn't have liked it as much.

The module I've been dreading for months, perhaps even years is finally upon me and today's induction did nothing to quell my fears. You might think that I'm just scared of vaginas because I'm a boy or that I'm worried about being embarrassed or whatever. Maybe I am, I'm a boy after all(although I don't think I'd like to spend much time working with willies either). I'm fairly immature too which doesn't help one mention of the words gonads/testicles/vagina or whatever and I can't help but giggle. One of the seminars for this module is titled "Testicles", quite what that has to do with obs and gynae I'm not sure but I couldn't help laughing.

During our induction we were told that we must go and consent 5-6 women each morning in the half an hour before theatre. How exactly am I supposed to go and ask 6 women if I can examine their vagina [giggles] whilst they are under anaesthetic for some kind of gynaecological surgery?! Perhaps if I had some time to sit down and get to know the patient a bit I might be able to approach the subject but with only 5 minutes each what am I supposed to do?! I can see much blogging being done on this topic in the next few weeks.

There are some positives judging by our induction, they are keen on having us assist in theatre, they want us to get as stuck in as we can [up to our elbows if possible], that could be fun! I suppose I should reserve judgment for a while until I've actually had some experience but I'm not looking forward to it. Fingers crossed that my consultant [each medical student has one each which is pretty good] is ok, then perhaps the next 6 weeks will be bearable.

6 comments:

MJ said...

Best of luck in O&G. I can see the potential problems in finding patients to observe/assist treat, what with you being a man and all and them being women. Sure you'll do great though!

Dr No No said...

O+G isnt quite as bad as it seems...actually hang on, yes it is...as a student anyways, but you will get through, just hope youre not at one of the notoriously "snobby" areas where anyone less than the consultant isnt allowed a look in...

Dr Michelle Tempest said...

You'll get your OandG attachment done, and the giggles will pass as you learn more about the clinical skills needed. But good luck. I've just found your blog and it's a good read - reminds me of being a medical student! All the very best. Michelle

Anonymous said...

oi! mr small stop wasting time on the internet and do something productive.

The Little Medic said...

mj - Thanks! perhaps I should pretend to be a woman for the next 6 weeks.

dr no no - I don't think its too snobby - I met my consultant today and he seems friendly enough and he was willing to teach too. Always a good sign. Only 5 weeks and 4 days to go.

michelle tempest - thanks :)

anonymous - hmmm, I wonder who you are. Someone who knows me but who wasn't in teaching at 2?

Nichola said...

Good luck. Definitely a subject where keenness is rewarded - particularly for blokes.

Should be lots of scope for actually doing stuff though. Good luck with the consenting.

JD