SURGIA Newsletter: General Surgery Edition Volume II Issue 1 | Page 33

Over the course of the elective, I visited each of
these labs. We talked about the state of spinal
cord research, future directions and potential
for collaboration. These were some of the most
intellectually stimulating discussions I have
ever had. It is incredible to see what centres
of excellence in research are doing. These
researchers are open, collaborative, and eager to
advance their science.

“We talked about the state
of spinal cord research, future
directions and potential for
collaboration.
These
were
some of the most intellectually
stimulating discussions I have
ever had.”

The actual clerkship started with the day of
orientation. On this day, we met the impressive
director of the clerkship, an expert in emergency
radiology, and its incredibly friendly coordinator.
We became oriented to the program and the
historic Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH).
Among other things, MGH was the first institution
where general anaesthesia was performed during
a surgical procedure. The theatre, called the Ether
Dome, is still there today. It is literally a theatre.
MGH, as at 2016, has been rated the number one
hospital in the United States by US News.
There are over 100 radiologists at MGH. Many of
them are leaders in the field. You’ll find their names
in prominent textbooks and journal articles. The
radiology service is split into subspecialties such
as interventional, abdominal, neuroradiology and
breast for example. A large part of the service is
located in the Dodd Reading Room. Dodd is a
huge room split into different subspecialties. It’s a
hive of activity with something interesting to see
all the time.