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.
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.
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.