After Finishing MOAS

The Final BLOG Question: Dr. Nolen describes various medical errors that are made by surgeons as they learn their craft. Choose one example, describe it and then discuss who is ultimately responsible – the hospital, the Chief Resident, the Attending Surgeon, the Intern?

Post a response by Thursday, June 3rd.

After reading Chapters 16 & 17

This one's a bit tough - Dr. Nolen describes treating terminally ill patients and that "a surgeon is reluctant to 'pull the plug'? As recently as 2005 with the "Terry Schiavo" case, how to address the dying is something most of us are reluctant to deal with. If you were the attending surgeon would you be comfortable "playing God"? If you were a family member of a terminally ill patient, what would you do?


Respond by Friday, May 29th.

After Reading Chapters 13, 14 & 15

At the private hospital on Long Island, the attending surgeons Loudon, Grove and Steele each had different “styles” of teaching young residents the art of surgical technique. What “style” did each have? Whose style do you think was most effective? Why?

Post your response by Tuesday, May 25th.

Blood Drive + Medical School

What do you think of the Making of a Surgeon so far? Do you think this is an effective way to train surgeons? What would you do differently if you were in charge of medical school education?

We're having a blood drive on campus next Wednesday. In MOAS, the residents fiercely guard their blood supply...and often had interesting means of keeping their blood bank full. Why was it so important to get people to donate blood? Have you ever donated blood before? How might you encourage your classmates to donate on Wednesday?

Post your response by Tuesday, May 18th.

MOAS - after reading Chapters 7,8 & 9

1.) Describe the composition and functions of blood. Why is monitoring blood and blood pressure so crucial to maintaining a patients course of treatment?

2.) What type of information is gained from an autopsy? An autopsy involved cutting open the patient and removing and studying several organs. Would you give permission to have a deceased family member autopsied by the medical staff? Why? Why not?

Please respond by Cinco de Mayo.

MOAS-After reading Chapter 4, 5 & 6

What is meant by the term “differential diagnosis?” What is the benefit/drawback of this term?


Please respond by Tuesday, April 20th.

MOAS-After reading Chapter 2 & 3

Respond to these two questions by Friday April 16th:

1.) Do you think Dr. Nolen should have asked the Attending Physician for more help during his first appendectomy operation? Why? Why not?

2.) Dr. Nolen describes treating wealthy patients differently than poor, indigent, alcoholic ones. This is a problem with our health care system. What do you think could remedy this situation so that all patients are treating fairly and equally?