You can never practice enough

So my first official surgery that I scrubbed into last week was actually pretty thrilling.  I actually got to participate; I was given opportunities that are usually reserved for residents.  It was tough standing there for 7 hours (mostly because I was preoccupied for most of it worrying about what I would be orally grilled on), but it was amazing to stand there- opposite the surgeon- looking at a man's beating heart.  Although I can't look back and say that I made an "impressive impression" on the surgeons, I feel like I at least gained a little respect.

One thing my mentor taught me is that silence is often the biggest compliment a doctor can give a student.  Handing me the instruments during the surgery, allowing me to help open the patient's chest, was one of the biggest compliments I've gotten so far in my career.

I even got to suture!  Ok, it definitely wasn't my first time.  I'm still pretty slow but it's a skill that I've put some time into developing.  After the surgery one of the surgeons handed me an instrument used for suturing and told me, "you can never get enough practice."

And I'll honestly never forget that, especially since it can apply to everything in medicine.

So for a laugh, I'll share a picture of one of the poor washcloths that has fallen victim to my practicing.  It's hard to see, but all edges are closed! (Plus there are a few aberrant stitches and knots for fun.)