Surgery: operations, emergencies and ward work. A lot of craftsmanship, clear results and a long learning curve in the operating theatre.
Training in Germany (model regulations)
• General surgery: 72 months in surgery, including 36 in general surgery, 6 in the emergency department and 6 in intensive care
No answers yet
–
Rate only how much you would like the situation.
Core task
Being in the operating theatre
Appendicectomy, gallbladder, hernias: you operate, often for several hours a day.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Core task
Emergencies at night
Acute abdomen, bowel obstruction, bleeding. You help decide whether to operate right away.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Core task
Carrying complications
When something goes wrong after an operation, you were involved. You deal with it and learn from it.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Clear results
The inflamed appendix is out, and the patient often recovers quickly.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
A long learning curve
You assist a lot at first and take on your own operations step by step.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Core task
Post-operative ward work
Wound checks, drains and post-operative complications are part of daily work.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Standing for long periods
Standing with full concentration, even when an operation runs longer than planned.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Short conversations
Consent talks and ward rounds are often short; the focus is in the theatre.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
Many on-call shifts
Surgical on-call shifts are often frequent and long.
Not at all
Rather not
Rather yes
Very much
This test is a structured self-assessment, not a validated psychometric instrument. The specialty profiles are informed estimates. Use the result as a starting point for conversations and check it with shadowing days and talks with specialists. Training information applies to Germany; the binding rules are those of the relevant state medical chamber. Specialty preferences often change during medical school, so retake the test after new rotations.
Support the developer
MedScore is free on the web and made by a medical student. If it helps you, you can support its development.
Support MedScore
My YouTube channel
Videos by Nabil Alzein, the medical student who makes MedScore.