SURGERIES
MINOR SURGERY
As a surgical society, it is important to us that our members have the opportunity to attend surgeries. It is an incredible experience to learn not just enriching and fascinating moments but also to see what lies ahead of us when we finish university.
Minor surgical procedures are simple surgeries performed on superficial tissue. The pacient is typically under local anesthesia with minimal equipment, therefore the pacient may be conscious throughout the procedure.
Every association member will be given the opportunity to apply to a Minor Surgery session. It is necessery to have completed the following criteria:
- Participating in Suture Workshops
- Participating in Asepsia/Antisepsia course
- Helping with the association’s activities
The Minor Surgery sessions take place during the whole academic course.
Experiences from our students
My name is Alba Poater, a 2nd-year medical student and AQG member. On June 7, 2024, I attended minor dermatological surgeries at Hospital del Mar in Barcelona.
Arriving at the hospital at 8 am, I was both nervous and excited. After changing, I proceeded to OR 11 on the surgical floor, where the procedures took place. The first surgery involved observing the removal of a cyst from a man’s forehead.
While this was fascinating, the second surgery left a lasting impression on me. It involved the removal of a cyst from a patient’s shoulder. During this procedure, the attending physician allowed me to scrub in and assist the resident—my first time scrubbing in for surgery. I also got to suture for the first time, guided by the resident. Going from practicing on models to suturing real skin is an experience I’ll never forget.
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity, as such experiences are usually reserved for 4th or 5th-year students. The entire experience was amazing, and I can’t wait to return!
As a first year medical student and member of the AQG, last June I had the opportunity to attend two minor surgeries at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona. It was my first time in the operating room, and it has been an unforgettable experience! In both surgeries they let me wash and participate, which undoubtedly made me very excited. In the first surgery, apart from being able to observe a patient with a carcinoma in the nose and being explained all the steps, I was able to suck the blood while the doctor operated. In the second surgery, I saw a patient with a carcinoma in the head, and they taught me and let me anesthetize him locally, which I personally liked a lot because it allowed me to learn and gain experience at a more practical level. My first contact with surgery was a fantastic experience that has marked me in a very positive way, and I am already looking forward to the next time!
Having the opportunity to attend an OR during a minor surgery was an incredibly enriching experience that far exceeded all the expectations I had beforehand. The surgeons were very welcoming and allowed me to scrub in, which was an unexpected privilege. During the intervention, I was able to participate in a hands-on way that I hadn’t anticipated. I assisted with the hyfrecator, and they even let me suture, which was both thrilling and educational.
Frankly, attending a minor surgery during the early years of medical school is an invaluable learning opportunity that provides insight into surgical practices and patient care in a way that textbooks simply cannot. Moreover, in my experience, the doctors were incredibly approachable and took the time to explain each step of the procedure, ensuring that I understood what was happening at every moment.
I am deeply grateful to AQG for providing me with this opportunity, which has been both inspiring and educational. It has allowed me to feel more connected to surgery as a potential career path.
MAJOR SURGERY
After having attended a minor surgery, an association member is given the opportunity to assist to a major surgery.
A major surgical procedure refers to a significant surgical intervention that involves operating on deeper tissues or organs, often requiring general anesthesia and extensive equipment. These procedures are typically more complex and carry a higher risk of complications compared to minor surgical procedures.
It is a great opportunity to make new connections with staff from the Hospital del Mar whilst still learning in a dynamic and immersive way.
“This summer, I had the opportunity to assist in my first major surgery led by Dra. Marta Pascual at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona. It was a left hemicolectomy with DaVinci. It was an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait for the next time!” – Matthew Hopkins