P.+V.+Davos

=The Anatomy of the Human Shoulder=

Goals:
[] The major goal of this project was to observe a shoulder surgery, and with the help of Dr. O'Keeffe, this wish was proven possible. Luckily I was able observe two shoulder surgeries at Melrose Wakefield Hospital, Melrose, MA, on Wednesday 2/23. I learned about life inside of the O.R., what a day in the life of a surgeon is like, and typically how shoulder surgeries are conducted. What really happens in the O.R.? Does a surgeon do anything else while at the hospital? What will seeing an incision, or even a human's tendon be like? These were all questions I wanted answered. I desired to gain a plethora of knowledge about the shoulder from this experience as well. Therefore, I researched the anatomy of the shoulder even after the observation. I learned how it is constructed, how it moves, methods of rehabilitation and many other important aspects. After my father had two surgeries on his shoulder (one to repair his rotator cuff), I knew it was the right project for me to try. [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOZjgz18eOQ&feature=related]

Discoveries:
I discovered an immense amount about the shoulder, and particularly the rotator cuff. I researched the shoulder in it's entirety. But, not only did I learn a lot through research, I learned even more through observation. While at the hospital I witnessed areas and situations up close that some may never see in their lifetimes. Sure, many have and will be operated on, but will they ever remember what really happened during their surgery? Because of products like anesthesia, the answer to this question is no, most won't see the O.R. as I did. Most won't visualize the surgeon's steady, and precise hands as he makes the incisions. They won't be able to say, "I stood directly behind the surgeon, and saw him stitch together a woman's damaged rotator cuff." I was in the shoes of a surgeon for the whole day, and now I know what goes on in a hospital, during a surgery, and even preparation before a surgery. I learned things about anesthesia, dissolving stitches and many other ambiguous subjects. I stumbled upon information that some adults wouldn't even understand after detailed explanations. Also, I discovered that my stomach actually could hold down the blood and incisions that observing a surgery entailed. Getting over my squeamishness was a great stride.

Challenges:
Before arriving at the surgery, both Dewey and I needed to sign privacy forms that state we would not diclose any information about the patients. This was challenging because I could not take any photographs of the surgery while inside the O.R. Therefore, it was hard to provide real pictures for my photographic journal. My project would have been much easier had I been able to take pictures of the patient's shoulder during the surgery. Therefore, completing my journal without interesting photography pertaining to the real surgeries I observed, became a real hastle. Also, surgeons tend to have very busy schedules, so comunicating with Dr. O'Keeffe if I had any questions was very hard. The surgery only took about nine of the fifteen required hours, so that was quite the problem too.

Solutions:
Though I was not able to take pictures during the operation, my father had sets of pictures from his previous operations that I was able to use. Also, I used pictures that I found online which displayed the anatomy of the shoulder in a very detailed manner. I carefully chose the pictures, which all turned out to be great options. Also, considering Dewey and I observed the same surgery; any questions I had for Dr. O'Keeffe I would ask Dewey first. This helped a lot because it was so hard to communicate with Dr. O'Keeffe directly. Last but not least, achieving the correct amount of hours was diffcicult, so I spent the rest of my hours talking about shoulder rehabilitation with Mr. Doherty (Belmont HIll's Head Athletic Trainer).

Looking Back:
Looking back on the Bio Project, I would not change anything about how it was structured and designed. We had a supplemental amount of time to finish it, and the checkpoints throughout really kept me ontop of the work. I really enjoyed my topic, and to be honest, had a great time observing the surgery and spending time with Dr. O'Keeffe and Dewey. It was a very "eye-opening" experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started:
1) I wish I knew a little more about my topic prior to the surgery, so I understood a little more about what was going on without Dr. O'Keeffe's explanations. 2) Schedule ALL your observation hours, so you're not rushing at the last minute to complete them all. I only scheduled the surgery, then after about a month realized I needed more hours. PLAN AHEAD! 3) Make sure you can take pictures while on your shadowing experience. It's much easier if you are allowed to do so. Unfortunately, I could not, and it made my journal much harder to complete. 4) Have several outlets of communication. The last thing you want to have happen is your not understanding of something, and you can't contact your surgeon/doctor to explain it. 5) Never put off work to the last minute. A survery would most likely prove that ninety percent of the grade put a portion of the project off till the night before. Seriously, every night prior to the day it's due work on it in parts to make sure you don't get behind. ALWAYS STAY AHEAD!toc