Week 4 Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads

This was one of my favorite weeks so far at my internship. Since i’ve been at the office for about a month now, I have been able to see patients from their consultation, to their operation and even as they recover. It is really rewarding to see the transformation of the patients not only physically, but also in their confidence. I was also able to spend time in the recovery room this week. In doing so, I was able to learn more about the regulation of drugs, specifically narcotics, and the effect of each drug. I was also able to assist the nurses in aiding the patients. This entailed helping the patient wake up from the anesthesia, providing their loved ones with post operative instructions, helping them change back into their clothes, and helping them get into their cars to go home. This was really interesting, because it allowed me to see more patient care. Since I work mostly in the operating room where the patients are under anesthesia, I only have been interacting with patients when I assist Dr. Z or other doctors during consultations or local procedures (ex. mole removal). Overall, the staff and I are developing a higher comfort level and trust level. Because of this, I am able to contribute more in consultations the operating room, and also in the recovery room. There is a small part of me that is starting to get tired of the repetitiveness of the procedures, but I know that next week the office will begin their transition to the electronic medical records system. I am excited to see how I can contribute to this transition.