Job Shadowing: OBGYN and Dr. Trammell

I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Trammell on June 30th, and I wanted to give you a little rundown on how it went! I went to Providence Hospital early in the morning with the plan of watching two hysterectomies and going on my way.... I was very wrong about that.

First, I had the chance to watch a check-up with a postpartum patient and all they did was talk about the medication that would be prescribed to go home.

Then, I watched my first real surgery while being in my first operating room. I watched a total laparoscopic hysterectomy/bilateral salpingectomy (removal of uterus and fallopian tubes). This was very fascinating to watch the use of the instruments while completely looking at the screen in front of the patient. I got to watch every step they did as I had the perfect spot by the screen. (I ended up watching 2 of these surgeries: ranging from 45 minutes to over an hour)

After (my personal favorite), I got to watch a c-section for a mother who has had three other c-sections in the past. Due to scar tissue, she had no choice but to have another c-section. I watched the baby's umbilical cord get cut and how they stapled the mother back together.

Finally, I watched a suction D&C. Due to a pretty early miscarriage, a 25 year old had this surgery to suck out the uteran contents. The baby wasn't developed enough to be anything more than a big lump of cells. This surgery was extremely bloody, but from what I understand, not too bad to recover from.

This was definitely one of the coolest days I have ever experienced and the fast paced schedule really sparked my interest. I have developed a very deep respect for Dr. Trammell and see myself going back in the future.