Several courses are offered to first and second year students, serving to provide an introduction to surgery and surgical skills. These introductory courses can be especially useful to students with an interest in a surgical career. However, the class curriculum also contains generalized information and skills applicable to a wide range of specialties.

The following courses are offered to the first and second year medical students:

Introduction to Surgery I

1 Credit

Introduction to Surgery I introduces students to a surgical career and explores a range of surgical career options and lifestyles. An understanding of suturing, knot tying, and other basic surgical skills is acquired, as well as a  familiarity with essential surgical instruments. Hands-on experience enables students to become comfortable in the operating room while utilizing proper etiquette. Interaction with OHSU surgeons provides opportunity for mentoring. Students will attend two Surgical Skills Lab sessions, attend at least one SIG Student/Faculty Interactive session, attend a minimum of four hours in the operating rooms, and mentor other students through volunteering for a minimum of two hours. Volunteer work includes mentoring high school students who are interested in a surgery career during an OHSU skills lab or helping to teach suturing to premedical or other medical students. Fulfilling the elective requirements and submitting the Introduction to Surgery I Form is required to complete this course.

Introduction to Surgery II

1 Credit

Introduction to Surgery II expands upon Introduction to Surgery I. A basic proficiency of the technical skills taught in Introduction to Surgery I is required. This course requires further attendance of surgical conferences and specialty talks. Students enrolled will be responsible for teaching 705B students in lab workshops. Students will also gain further experience by participating in operations during this period. Two hours of volunteer work are required, which includes mentoring high school students who are interested in a surgery career during an OHSU skills lab or helping to teach suturing to premedical or other medical students. Participating in the skills lab beyond the initial two hour requirement can fulfill the volunteer requirement. Fulfilling the elective requirements and submitting the  Introduction to Surgery II Form is required to complete this course.

Surgery Research Elective

1-4 Credits

Students participate in self-arranged surgery research. At the completion of the rotation a 2-4 page summary of the research performed will be submitted. Summaries should include a background of the selected research focus and the purpose of the research, as well as a description of the actual research experience. This description should include the methods of the research project and which specific information was obtained. The summary should also describe methods used for statistical analysis. Using preliminary data to write an abstract is encouraged. Students should also include a plan for eventual submission and presentation of their work. To participate in this elective, please examine the MS1,MS2 Surgery Research Elective Instructions for information regarding approval and completion.