Shadowing
Dr. Louis Barfield, M.D.
Colon and Rectal Surgery
Our Lady of the Lake
About this Experience
When
June 2023 - Current
When schedules align, I am able to shadow on Tuesdays during Dr. Barfield's morning surgeries
Responsibilities
- Keep pace with Dr. Barfield
- Introduce myself to patients
- Observe from designated area
- Ask questions
What I Learned
Since the intestines have twists and turns, the scope needs to be guided by pressure on the abdomen to continue through.
What I Observed
When going from surgery to surgery, each member of the surgery team needs to complete their responsibilities in a timely manner. I was able to observe how each team member worked to reset and sanitize their stations before the next patient rolled in and how they worked together to be efficient.
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Dr. Barfield talked me through what was on the scope screen. Every time he saw something on the screen he would make sure I saw it. I was able to see a variety conditions such as polyps and diverticulitis. Each time I observed, I saw another condition and learned something new.
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Polyps are defined as abnormal tissue growths that can develop on surfaces in the body, typically on mucous membranes.
Diverticulitis is defined as a gastrointestinal disease that occurs when small pouches in the large intestine, called diverticula, become inflamed or infected.
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