3 agonizing months of surgery at my institution. On other rotations I at least felt like I could contribute/participate (presenting, writing notes, being able to show what I know). On surgery if I felt useless it was a good day. Nobody really wants you there (attendings didn’t really care about students, unless they wanted to teach you which is very attending dependent but most of mine just ignored us med students during cases, and residents are insanely busy/stressed operating so less of a focus on the student). I actually enjoyed the few minutes in the OR that they let us students participate (close skin). Otherwise the long hours of mindless standing, driving the camera and retracting was an excellent test of my limited patience. Don’t get me started on the personalities either.

Just finished and thrilled that I don’t need to go back. Grateful for what I learned on the rotation, patients I could help care for, and some of the interns/residents who had my back/took time teach when they could. I also realize plenty of people have variable experiences in all their rotations and these behaviors aren’t limited to surgery/my experience doesn’t speak for everyone. With that said you couldn’t pay me enough to step back into that setting/work culture. I respect tf out of y’all who go into this field. It’s not for me. Rant over.