By the end of the 3 week placement the students will be able to obtain the appropriate database (history, physical exam, and laboratory and x-ray studies) relative to the surgical patient.  The student will be knowledgeable of factors which predispose the surgical patient to complications either during or following surgery.  The student will demonstrate understanding of the preoperative and postoperative management of the surgical patient as well develop appropriate skills and techniques to assist in surgery. The student may have some areas of weakness but will, overall, be safe. 

The Physician Associate student will be able to:

• Develop skills and techniques related to surgery

• Participate in preoperative and postoperative management of patients.

• Participate in surgical procedures for diseases which the student would likely encounter in a primary care setting.

• Employ correct scrub, gown and glove technique in the operating room. 

History Taking and Consultation Skills

The student will be able to obtain from a patient, relative, or other informed party, information sufficient to diagnose and participate in the treatment of the surgical problem. 

Physical Examination

The student will be able to perform an appropriate physical examination, distinguish normal from abnormal physical findings and comprehensively record findings in a logical and systematic way.

Clinical Judgement in Diagnosis and Management

The student will use laboratory and diagnostic studies appropriately to support or modify tentative diagnostic impressions, recognise and diagnose surgical emergencies and determine whether the patient is a good surgical candidate, based on his/her co-existing medical problems.

Therapeutics and Prescribing

The student should be aware of prescribing pharmacologic therapy, demonstrating understanding of the indications, contraindications, major side-effects/adverse reactions and correct dosing schedules for medications, commonly used in surgical settings.

Clinical Planning and Procedures

The student will analyse information obtained from the history, physical exam, diagnostic tests, and procedures to recognize and diagnose common conditions in the adult patient, formulate a problem list, develop a comprehensive, prioritised differential diagnosis and utilise all available clinical data to accurately determine the diagnosis.

Below is an extensive but not exhaustive list of conditions that PA students are encouraged to see by the end of their 3 week rotation in general surgery. Once qualified, PAs are expected to diagnose a patient on initial presentation with these conditions and will not usually require further referral. 

Students will be able to describe for each of these conditions:

1.       Signs and symptoms

2.       Cause and natural history

3.       Diagnostic lab tests

4.       Appropriate therapeutic and management consideration

Dermatology

• Acute Burns   

Cardiovascular

• Peripheral vascular disease 

• Cardiac Revascularization (CABG) 

Respiratory

• Carcinoma of the lung 

Gastro-Intestinal

• Oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, stricture 

• Perforation, cancer of the oesophagus

• Acute Abdomen/Appendicitis   

• Cholecystitis & cholelithiasis 

• Gastric ulcer & carcinoma 

• Pancreatitis & carcinoma of pancreas 

• Diverticular disease 

• Colon polyps and carcinoma of the colon 

• Anorectal disease 

• Intestinal obstruction 

• Inguinal & femoral hernia 

Renal and GU 

• Urologic and renal disorders 

Female Health

• Diseases of the breast 

Other

• Multiple system trauma 

• Trauma & shock