10 Tips for Remembering When Observing a Surgery
Observing a surgery can be an exciting and educational experience, but it can also be overwhelming. With so much happening in the operating room, it can be difficult to remember everything you see and learn. In this blog, we’ll share 10 tips for remembering when observing a surgery.
Take notes
The easiest way to remember what you observe in surgery is to take notes. Bring a notebook and a pen or pencil with you and write down the key points of what you see. Be sure to record the name of the surgery, the date, and the name of the surgeon.
Ask questions
Asking questions is an effective way to remember what you observe in surgery. When you ask questions, you engage with the material and make a connection with the information you are trying to remember. Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon or other medical professionals in the room for clarification on what you are seeing.
Use mnemonics
Mnemonics are memory aids that help you remember information by associating it with something else. For example, you can use the acronym “ABC” to remember the steps of performing CPR: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. You can create your own mnemonics for remembering the steps of surgery or the different tools and equipment used in the operating room.
Visualize the procedure
Visualization is a powerful tool for memory retention. Try to visualize the procedure as it is happening and imagine yourself performing it. This will help you remember the steps of the surgery and the order in which they are performed.
Watch videos
Watching videos of surgeries can be a helpful way to prepare for observing surgery in person. It can also help you remember what you observed after the fact. You can find videos of surgeries online or through medical education resources.
Take breaks
Observing a surgery can be mentally and emotionally taxing. Taking breaks can help you recharge and process the information you have learned. Step out of the operating room for a few minutes, take a walk, or have a snack to help you refresh your memory.
Use repetition
Repetition is a tried-and-true method for remembering information. After observing a surgery, try to repeat what you say to yourself or to a colleague. This will help reinforce what you learned and commit it to memory.
Draw diagrams
Drawing diagrams can be a helpful way to remember what you observed in a surgery. You don’t need to be an artist to create a simple sketch of the surgical site or the steps of the procedure. Drawing a diagram can help you visualize the surgery and remember the details.
Reflect on your experience
Reflecting on your experience after observing a surgery can help you remember what you learned. Take some time to think about what you observed, what you learned, and what questions you still have. Writing about your experience in a journal can also be a helpful way to reflect on and process the information.
Discuss with others
Discussing what you observed with others can be a helpful way to remember and process the information. Talk to colleagues who also observed the surgery or share your experience with a mentor or supervisor. Having a conversation about what you learned can help you retain the information and gain new insights.
Observing a surgery can be a valuable learning experience, but it can also be overwhelming. By following these 10 tips, you can improve your memory retention and get the most out of your observation experience. Remember to take notes, ask questions, use mnemonics, visualize the procedure, watch videos, take breaks, use repetition, draw diagrams, reflect on your experience, and discuss with others. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well on your way to remembering what you observe in surgery.
