The principal objective of the Plastic Surgery Undergraduate Education Program at the University of Ottawa is the progressive development of the students’ clinical competence by experiencing and participating in the pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients.
The rotation is meant to enhance the students’ surgical education by exposure to clinical encounters, minor surgical procedures, major surgical procedures and rapid access patients.
Students will be exposed to a wide range of pathology. These include:
- Skin malignancies
- Hand surgery
- Nerve reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction
- Pediatric plastic surgery
- Craniofacial surgery
- Head and neck reconstruction
The emphasis of the rotation will be on the acquisition and analysis of clinical information and the development of an approach to managing clinical problems. Students will also be exposed to, and acquire basic surgical techniques that will complement their medical training.
Opportunities for hands on experience will be provided. Students will be given the opportunity to assist in the operating room. They will also learn important surgical skills including:
- Tissue dissection
- Suturing
- Flap design and dissection
- Fracture reduction
- Fracture fixation
- Splint application
During the rotation students will be expected to partake in daily patient care. As an integral member of a surgical team led by a senior resident and staff preceptor, students will perform supervised consultations and procedures and participate in on-call activities. Students assist actively in the operating room, ward duties, and ambulatory clinics and are expected to engage in on-going educational activities in the Department of Surgery. Performance evaluations and feedback will be given regularly. It is expected that a high standard of ethical and professional behaviour will be maintained at all times.