Electives in neurosurgery in general

[Johnd2f]

Hi everyone

I'm an IMG and I will do a 4 weeks elective in neurosurgery. I am searching for students that have experienced an elective in neurosurgery or who have worked with electives student in this area. 

I wanted to ask you details about the role of the elective student. What do we have to do : presenting patients on round ? Typing information about patient on the computer health system ? Do we perform proceedure as lumbar puncture, stitching ? Do we scrub in, and once in the OR what is our role (give surgical tools ?) ? And lastly, do we write post op repport or is it the resident's job? 

Please if you have lived this experience add as many details about what was it like : your role but also what you did wrong or you ould do differently and what you did right. 

If you did another elective in another surgical area or if you know someone that has, please take part on this post. 

Thank you very much to all

[Guest]

These factors varied a lot based on your experience level and where you are. In some places we were expected to pre-round, pend notes, give some presentations, etc, at other places we were not. At some places we scrubbed in and assisted on most cases, at others it was more rare. Probably show up prepared for anything and try to sort out what is expected and allowed in that particular elective.

Good luck and have fun!

[Johnd2f]

I am a final year medical student and I will go to BWH.

Thank you for your reply