Operating Room Etiquette: What is the Role of the Student?

"Operating Room Etiquette: What is the Role of the Student?" is a CIVIS Student-Led Project designed to help medical students develop essential soft skills for their first operating room experiences.

The workshop focuses on preparing students for clinical practice through a combination of theoretical sessions and practical exercises, including role-play and interactive learning. With the demanding workload in medical education, our initiative aims to create a space for more meaningful interactions and a relaxed, collaborative environment.

The first edition of the workshop successfully took place on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, at the Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Thirty-two third and fourth year medical students participated. 

This workshop is a pilot project within a larger transnational initiative, and we aim to apply for the next CIVIS Student-Led Project call", explained the organisers.

 

What is the Role of the Student in the Operating Room? Highlights of the first edition

 

The workshoo was organised by medical students from UAM. Their goal is to now open the workshop to students from all CIVIS universities. 

What?: "What is the Role of the Student in the Operating Room?"
 When?: March 4, 2025
 Where?: Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro de Majadahonda, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Madrid

Description:

This workshop aims to reduce the uncertainty and anxiety that medical students may experience during their first contact with the operating room. Through talks and interactive activities, participants will learn about the importance of communication and teamwork in a surgical environment, as well as the expectations they should have when integrating into the medical team. The goal is to encourage active student participation and the development of socio-emotional skills.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction to the role of the student in the operating room.

  • Communication and teamwork in surgical situations.

  • Expectations regarding student behavior and responsibilities.

  • Collaboration between the medical and nursing teams.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Lucena de la Poza, surgeon and professor at the UAM Faculty of Medicine, discussed leadership in the operating room and the role of the student.

  • Pilar Zúñiga Benito, Nursing team, shared her perspective on collaboration in the surgical environment and the doctor-nurse relationship.

  • Medical students provided recommendations and practical advice on how to make the most of the operating room rotation.

Target Audience:

This workshop is intended for third-year medical students at the UAM Faculty of Medicine who are approaching their first experience in the operating room.

Organising Student Team at UAM:

  • Paula Prada Sanz. E-mail  
  • Paola Treviño González. E-mail   
  • Claudia Palomo Martín. E-mail   
  • Lola Rodríguez Ruiz del Árbol. E-mail   
  • Paula Medio Torrubiano. E-mail