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Goals and Objectives PGY2

Upon completion of the PGY2 year, NS residents will be expected to meet the following educational goals and objectives:

Patient Care

  • Take a thorough history and perform an appropriate examination in order to localize a lesion in the nervous system and provide a differential diagnosis
  • Document findings, differential diagnosis, and plan of management in the medical record
  • Utilize and interpret laboratory and imaging studies appropriately
  • Demonstrate knowledge of nonoperative and operative alternatives
  • Make regular rounds, demonstrating knowledge of the patients
  • Develop the skills necessary to recognize postoperative complications
  • Assess and participate in acute care of patients with injury to: the head, spine, and peripheral nervous system

Assess and participate in the treatment of patients with:

  • Raised intracranial pressure
  • Hemorrhagic or ischemic cerebrovascular disease
  • Spinal cord or cauda equina compression
  • Acute or chronic seizure disorders
  • Hydrocephalus

Develop procedural expertise in the following areas:

  • Assist in the Operating Room, developing ability to handle tissues appropriately; take direction well; anticipate surgical maneuvers; make reasonable suggestions at appropriate times; perform as a team member
  • Set up surgical microscope
  • Lumbar puncture
  • Insertion of ventricular and lumbar drain, ICP monitors, Ommaya Reservoir
  • Application of skeletal traction
  • Positioning of patients for cranial, spinal or peripheral nerve surgery; sterile prep
  • Ability to use various head rests for cranial surgery
  • Burr hole drainage of subdural hematoma
  • Basic stereotaxis
  • V-P shunt placement

Medical Knowledge

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of the normal anatomy and physiology of the nervous system
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of the effects of mass lesions, raised ICP, head injury, infection, cerebral edema, ischemia, seizures, hydrocephalus, spinal cord and nerve root compression on patients
  • Demonstrate an understanding of pharmacology appropriate to disease of the nervous system

Practice-based Learning and Improvement

  • Application of evidence-based practice

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

  • Work in a cooperative and sensitive manner with other healthcare personnel
  • Give and receive advice in an objective, mature manner
  • Communicate with patients and their families, explaining disease processes and treatment options, including benefits, risks, and possible complications in terms each individual can comprehend

Professionalism

  • Respect each patient's right to privacy
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to the sexual, ethnic, cultural and religious characteristics of patients and their families
  • Provide support and compassion care to patients and their families
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal aspects of neurosurgery
  • Be honest, reliable, and respectful in working with patients and colleagues

Systems-based Practice

  • Development of cost effective practice