Fundamental Skills in Surgery

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After completing the basic science years, the medical student is confronted with patient care. The transition from book learning to actual patient management is a large step. In preparation for clinical surgery rotations, the third-year medical student needs to become acquainted with an adequate amount of practical knowledge and fundamental skills in surgical management. Some students are able to learn many of these procedures through instruction by the house staff, but, with overworked residents, teaching often takes a backseat to sleep and patient care. Fundamental Skills in Surgery will fill in the gaps left by limited teaching, time, and exposure to a variety of patient illnesses. The editors have done an excellent job of explaining the basic techniques in performing surgical procedures and summarizing the pathophysiology of surgical care. The references to the practice of surgery at St Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center of New York add a unique perspective.