Specialty Attire

Contrary to what I expected of a surgical rotation, I have not had the opportunity to wear scrubs all that frequently. I suppose being in an office based surgical sub-specialty merits wearing a tie and slacks more often than not. It's rather sad as I was looking forward to the change in wardrobe.

Dressed for Success

In urology I have seen a fair number of in-office procedures and considering the field, one would be correct in thinking they were occasionally messy. For a surgical specialty, we rarely see blood, but there are plenty of other fluids to be concerned about, though nothing a good lab coat couldn't handle. The urogenital organs, when combined, are no bigger than a volleyball and yet there is an entire profession dedicated to their treatment. Nonetheless, when these organs are not working properly, they can significantly decrease an individual's quality of life.

Much of what the physicians do in the office is geared towards keeping their patients out of the operating room. Apparently it is working well as there is little hospital time - at least in this particular practice. Many of the special cameras, ultrasound equipment and other instruments can easily be stored, making their office based practice feasible. Unfortunately, as a student I am not getting many of the skills commonly found in the operating room such as anatomical referencing, equipment handling and suturing. Overall, it has been an intriguing month and an eye-opener to a field I would not have otherwise considered. Whether wearing a shirt and tie combination or a relaxed scrub uniform, doctors can choose their work environment to fit their needs and their practice.

Question of the Week

A 22-year-old G2 P1 woman gives birth following an uncomplicated pregnancy to a term male infant weighing 2850 gm. On physical examination he has incomplete development of the dorsal aspect of the penile urethra, with the defect extending to the bladder, which is open on the lower abdominal wall. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Hypospadias
B. Bowen disease
C. Balanoposthitis
D. Epispadias
E. Paraphimosis

Answer & Explanation