Working with Medical Students
As indicated in the above descriptions of the resident yearly rotations all patients at all sites are seen by the resident staff at the time of initial presentation in the outpatient clinic, on admission to the various hospitals, in the operating room, postoperatively, and again in the clinics following discharge. They are given independence in managing all aspects of patient care commensurate with their level of training and individual progress. This is done under direct supervision of an attending physician who has final responsibility for every patient at every site. The resident is expected to follow all patients through their entire care. When they are off call they report on their patient’s care to the responsible attending and fellow resident and receive progress reports on their return to duty. Patient care is a full time responsibility and although there are defined duty hours residents are expected to remain with sick patients on the floors and in the operating room when necessary to assure continuity of care. The 6 month rotations allow for observation and participation in long term care. When significant care issues extend beyond 6 months the resident receives follow-up at conferences or directly from fellow residents and attendings. For purposes of education, there is no distinction between private and non-private patients at any site.
Program Policy Regarding Supervision. (P.R. V. D.)
All residents at all institutions are supervised by faculty (full time and voluntary) who have final responsibility for patient care. The faculty at all sites report to the program director who ensures that the residents receive appropriate teaching and oversight. The program director evaluates the supervision through frequent feedback both from the faculty and residents.
At the University of Illinois, medical students have the option of a four-week urology rotation during the M3 or M4 year. Residents have a major role in teaching medical students during these rotations including instruction on the workup of patients in the hospital and clinic settings as well as the operating room. Students perform histories and physicals on selected patients and present their work to supervising residents. Residents also assign readings to the medical students and quiz them during clinics, rounds and in the operating rooms.