My mentor has a set operating schedule that makes it easy for me to plan my mentor visits. He operates at 7:30 AM every Monday and Wednesday at Medical City Plano, meaning I get to observe at least one case every morning that I go. While the time and day are routine, nothing else about the visits are consistent. The surgeries are always different in content, length, and complexity, meaning I am always learning and experiencing new things. No surgery is the exact same, even if they have the same title and same basic steps. Just because I frequently watch “robot-assisted hysterectomies” does not mean they are monotonous. For instance, the anatomy is different in every single patient, and countless diagnoses require hysterectomies. These are just few of many factors that can influence a hysterectomy.
In addition to watching surgery, my mentor frequently takes me to round on patients, analyze specimens in pathology, or dictate procedures. I love getting a comprehensive view of the life of a surgeon, and being able to observe every element of his working lifestyle. Mentor visits are by far one of my favorite parts of my weekly routine, and I am so grateful to my mentor for the contributions he has made to make it all possible.
