Kgothatso Legong - Sixth year medical student at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University - describes the benefit of being taught by talented clinicians, and absorbing the lessons they give.
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My group was introduced to the surgery block in the year 2022 when we were in year 3 of MBChB. Even though the lectures were mostly theoretical at that time, I was still excited to be taught by clinicians. I still remember so well the first lecture we had, a registrar in the department of General Surgery taught us about the compartments of the leg and compartment syndrome.
It has been amazing to experience the growth we went through as undergraduate students and postgraduate students who were teaching us in the wards. That lecturer who taught me for the very first time became a consultant in front of our eyes. A rewarding and phenomenal occasion to experience when he told us that his dissertation was approved.
He taught a lot, but the following are the lessons I learnt from a Master of Medicine in General Surgery:
1. Preparation is everything
Knowing your patient inside out before ward rounds or theatre.
Reading up the night before surgeries helped me follow procedures better. I had to study about the disease presentation, clinical findings, important investigations including the gold standard ones, and the definitive management of that surgical disease.
2. Respect the theatre culture
Sterility is sacred.
Introduce yourself, know your role, and always ask before touching anything.
Anticipate needs: whether it’s handing over an instrument or adjusting the light.
Pushing the patient inside and outside theatre was my favourite chore to do. During those moments you get to reassure the patient and welcome them back again when they wake up from anaesthesia.
3. Communicate clearly and concisely
Presentations must be sharp and concise. History, physical exam, and plans should be structured and brief. Surgeons appreciate efficiency and clarity.
4. Be early, stay curious
Arriving early shows commitment and lets you get involved more. It is also professional to be punctual.
Asking thoughtful questions at the right time helped deepen my learning and clarity was provided on areas I was uncertain on.
5. Hands-on opportunities require initiative
No one will force you to scrub in. You must ask and be ready.
Practicing suturing outside of theatre made me more confident when opportunities came.
6. Surgical pathology is pattern recognition
Post-op complications, acute abdomen, trauma protocols: seeing them repeatedly helped me build a mental framework.
7. Teamwork is key
Everyone is part of a team, from surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, porters, and students. Being kind, helpful, and grateful goes a long way.
8. Resilience and stamina matter
Long hours, standing in theatre, and back-to-back ward work taught me mental and physical resilience.
9. Documentation is crucial
Proper operative notes, post-op plans, and daily progress are essential for patient safety and continuity of care.
10. Surgery is more than cutting
It’s about decision-making, timing, patient selection, and anticipating complications.
On the day of examination, I went in with the confidence of a surgeon who was about to perform a surgical procedure he has done one-thousand times before.
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