How to Survive Surgical Rotations

Hello everyone, 

I hope everyone is keeping well, and settling into life back at Aberdeen, or wherever you are in the Highlands and Islands! As I mentioned in the Autumn Term Event outline, this year at Ogston we are restarting the blog this year as part of our commitment to making the society more accessible, especially for those who may not be active on social media.  I hope that this space will keep you informed and engaged with what is going on within the society, and hopefully is a space for students to collaborate and share ideas together. For this post, we have collected advice from several of our senior year medical students on the committee, to give you advice about surviving surgical rotations. 

The Ogston Surgical Society at the University of Aberdeen is dedicated to promoting excellence in surgical education and practice. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of surgeons through networking, hands-on workshops, academic events and mentorship opportunities. We want to open doors for students pursuing a career in surgery. 

Our first contributor to the column is Ria Karouzaki, an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon, who mentions how ‘to survive a surgical rotation’ starts with being prepared and arriving early. 

“ A good first impression matters the most… always have your stethoscope with you, you will likely get asked to listen to the patients chest etc, and try and get involved in the ward round by reading out the news chart or something similar”

Important points here, that can be applied to any medical placement, but are especially useful if you are interested in an area. That being said, Ria goes on to say: 

“ If you’re eager for time in theatre just ask for the weekly theatre list and plan ahead!” 

Our events coordinator, Aurora Sonkin,  who has recently come back from London after completing her MSc in Laparoscopic Surgery and Surgical Skills at Queen Mary University. Her advice, which carries on from Ria’s- 

“I’d say that the number one thing is definitely to be pro-active- if you are wanting time in theatre, speak to the FYs, PAs, registrars and consultants to figure out which cases would be best to go to and what’s expected of you. This depends on the ward and even the consultant so make sure you ask them if you want to speak to and examine the patient pre-op etc.”

Theatre can be an intimidating space, with everyone being part of a hierarchy, and a good day relying on who you are shadowing. That hierarchy is important, it keeps you safe and others safe. But it can also feel that you are worth less than the bucket on the surgical floor. (You’re not, and you deserve to be there too).  People often assume it’s your first day in theatre, even if you’ve assisted on a few cases. 

“ also make sure to familiarise yourself with the procedure and especially the anatomy of the case - even just having a basic overview will a) make it so much easier to understand what’s going on ( which will make it more interesting and useful for you) and b) means you’ll be able to (hopefully) answer some questions you might be asked by the surgeons. If they can see that you’ve at least read up on the case, it immediately gives a good impression and they’ll be much more likely to teach you during the case and be happy to have you back in the theatre!” 

This is a point that our publicity and social media co-ordinator, Heather agrees with and she said:

“If you are going into theatre, make sure to know roughly what the operation is and what your anatomy is, it makes it so much easier!” 

Ogston are also determined to bridge the gap as much as we can, so this year we are hoping to bring back the anatomy part of the teaching series. This should hopefully give you a refresher on the anatomy from first to third year, and may help with revision for those in the junior years of medical school. The book “ Anatomy of general surgical operations” has also been recommended by our clinical lead, and may be useful for some people. And on the next note, Aurora continued, 

“ and same goes for if you want to scrub in- some surgeons might ask you but most of the time you have to be proactive, so as intimidating as it is try and speak to a reg before the case to see if you might be able to scrub in” 

So I think that we can all agree, being prepared, being organised and being proactive are useful parts of ‘surviving a surgical rotation’ , but also early exposure is key. One of our suturing and practical skills conveners, Sasha Coutts, is in his third year. He applied to do medicine as a postgraduate, originally studying Biomedical Science here at the University of Aberdeen. As he is in preclinical years, he is yet to ' survive a surgical rotation.’  When I asked him why he wanted to do surgery, he mentioned 

“I knew from the start that surgery was for me. I enjoy working with my hands as well as my brain, and I had a deep interest in anatomy so surgery was the perfect combination of both.”

Sasha has also sought early clinical exposure, and has been involved with taster days at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where he mentioned one of his favourite cases. He was able to observe a surgeon  who used the subcuticular suture, finished with the Aberdeen knot- a technique which has stuck with him, and what he was able to learn here at Ogston. He also mentions, 

“Early exposure to surgical techniques is invaluable, especially if you have an early interest and want to learn more without waiting for 4th and 5th year to roll around.” 

His proactive approach reflects what the Ogston Surgical Society is all about- nurturing keen interests, building confidence and getting hands-on exposure. The suturing and practical skills classes are ideal for getting that hands on demonstration, and building up confidence before the surgical blocks. 

Our other co- president, Alicja Lubinska, is an aspiring plastic surgeon. She mentioned that 

“starting a surgical logbook early on helps you track your experiences and reflect on everything you’ve learned- especially when prepping for Core Surgical Training. My favourite one, which is also recommended by the RCSEd is https://clinent.elogbook.org/. Future you will be grateful!”

Keeping yourself organised throughout medical school is important, and this way, by logging every case you will be able to write about it. Also useful when elective planning, being able to have proof on what surgeries you have and have not assisted on will come back in handy. There’s a few surgeries from before I started keeping my elogbook that I wish I had proof of, so learn from my mistakes. 

This year, we are also hoping to run a few webinars, which should help people preparing for foundation years training, those applying to core surgical training, planning electives and even another women in surgery event, if interest demands it.  

And finally, last but not least, my advice about surviving surgical rotations. In my fourth year, I chose to do my surgical rotation at Dr. Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, following on from a very good psychiatry block there. The advice that was given to me there was to stay in district general hospitals, away from places as big as ARI, and therefore I was able to get more involved. What Alicja and Aurora have said have also stood true- being organised with your logbook and being proactive really helps. My interests are general surgery, and gynaecology, and I was able to go into theatre, suture, hold cameras, and build up confidence. If you have a chance to go outside Aberdeen, and can survive the accommodation, then it’s worth it- you will learn more by doing.  I had a really good core surgical trainee, who helped build my confidence, and who made me think that I could be a surgeon. My surgical block, that buzz on being in theatre, I knew exactly where I was meant to be, what I wanted to do, in the way that I didn’t feel after my medical or GP blocks. I wanted to get out of bed in the morning, instead of throwing my phone across the room to silence the alarms (the screen’s still cracked from that- RIP). 

My other takeaway is this- ignore people that will put you down. I discuss this more in my next article, Women in Surgery, where I realised misogyny and sexism is rife in the operating theatre, people insecure in themselves will presume you know nothing. You know enough to be here and you are going to make a great doctor and a great surgeon (repeat as necessary). 

We hope that this collection of advice from our students has given some practical tips for surviving surgical rotations, but reassurance that everyone starts somewhere. Whether you are prepared for your first day in theatre or thinking about electives, research or intercalated degrees, know that you are not alone in this journey. 

At Ogston we are committed to creating a shared space for aspiring surgeons, where students can feel seen, feel supported and have their voice heard. Training can feel daunting, but it’s also full of opportunities, connections, and moments of real joy. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and chase the opportunities that excite you.

If you have any questions or ideas, we would love to hear from you! 

Best wishes, 

Katherine 

Ogston’s Vice President 2025/2026