DAVID A. LINDSTROM, M.D. A MEDICAL CORPORATION 1229 SOUTHEAST TOWER 45 LINCOLN DRIVE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90024 MEMO DT: 9/10/88 TO: All First-Year Residents FM: Dr. David Lindstrom, Chief of Surgery RE: Welcome As Chief of Surgery, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to each of you. While you are probably anxious to begin your duties, please take a moment to examine the orientation materials enclosed. 1. The "New Resident Orientation" (rev. 9/88) handout (attached to this memo), detailing basic hospital procedures of patient admittance, diagnosis and the use of message papers. 2. The Life & Death Operating Procedures and Reference manual, explaining how to get started, with a copy of chapters IV, V and Appendix A of Merl and Newman's classic text "Anatomy and the Surgical Technique" (Copyright 1938, 1956, 1987, reprinted with permission of STW Medical Press). While our medical center is a general admitting facility, we take special pride in our Department of Abdominal Surgery, founded in 1943 by Drs. Robert Merl and Simon Newman. Due to our expertise, many patients with abdominal complaints are transferred to TGH and - even as a resident - you can expect to see many such cases. This reprint should help refresh your memory regarding the techniques and terminology of abdominal surgery. 3. A history of surgery. It has long been the belief of the hospital Board of Directors that modern medical instruction, with its emphasis on technique, neglects the more human aspects of the healing arts. This document is intended, in small measure, to correct this oversight. During the day, you can often find me in the classroom where I give daily lectures. I will be more than happy to respond to any problems you may be having with diagnosis or surgical techniques. Once again, welcome to Toolworks General. Toolworks General Hospital New Resident Orientation (Rev. 9/88) Welcome to Toolworks General ---------------------------- We know that the first few days as a surgical resident can be difficult, so we have put together this orientation handout. Use it to familiarize yourself with the layout of TGH and the procedures you will be expected to follow. Refer to the "Operating Procedures Manual" (enclosed) in any instances that you feel more specific instructions are required. Good luck! Your Responsibilities --------------------- You will be working on the eight floor, under the auspices of the Department of Abdominal Surgery. This is a separate unit with its own personnel staffing, record keeping and teaching facilities. As you know, your job is to diagnose patients (after ordering any necessary tests), prescribe treatments or drugs and - when appropriate - operate. In short, you have all the privileges and responsibilities of any other surgeon in the hospital. About the only difference is that Dr. Lindstrom will be tracking your progress and offering guidance when needed. Upon Arrival ------------ When you arrive at the start of your shift, the first thing you should do is check in at the Nurse's Station. Hospital policy requires that all residents sign in before cases will be assigned. Monica Pierce, the Charge Nurse, keeps track of the sign-in list. Once you sign in with Monica, she will make sure you will receive any messages and let you know if you have patients waiting. Hospital Paging System ---------------------- The Board of Directors has installed, at great expense, a hospital message paging system. The paging system assures that all physicians can be located immediately so that test results, medical histories and other critical information can be passed to you quickly and efficiently. All physicians (except when in surgery) are required to carry their beepers and to respond as soon as possible to a page. Failure to respond in a timely manner will result in dismissal from the staff and termination of your hospital privileges. When your beeper goes off, return as soon as possible to the Nurse's Station. Nurse Pierce will relay the message and make a phone available so you can return the call. If you are uncertain how to operate your beeper, please see the more detailed instructions located in your "Operating Procedure Manual," also found in this information packet. The Floor Plan -------------- Aside from the Nurse's Station, there are several other areas with which you should become familiar. Across the hall from the Nurse's Station is the Classroom, where Dr. Lindstrom holds daily lectures (along with special sessions for residents needing extra instruction.) The Classroom is fully equipped for audio-visual presentations and will become an integral part of your continuing education in abdominal surgery. Patient Rooms ------------- The numbered doors at the end of the hall lead to patient's rooms. While on duty, you are the attending physician for all patients on the floor. It is your responsibility to look in on the patients and check their progress. An up-to-date medical history for each patient may be found on the clipboard at the base of the patient's bed. If you feel additional test, medication or surgical prep is indicated, mark the appropriate action on the clipboard. See the "Operating Procedures Manual" for more specific instructions on surgery as well as ordering medication and tests. The Personnel Office -------------------- Shelly Marks administers the personnel office. We recommend that you visit Shelly to select your surgical team. You will find that, while each staff member is skilled and competent, all have slightly different educational backgrounds, experience and personalities. It may take a while to discover the combination of talent and personality with which you feel most comfortable while in the operating theatre. The Operating Theatre --------------------- The double doors to the left of the Nurse's Station lead to the Operating Theatre. After surgical prep is ordered, the patient will be brought to the OR when ready. SKID ROW SKID ROW SKID ROW SKID ROW SKID ROW SKID ROW SKID ROW