Department of Surgery

Chair

W. Roy Smythe, M.D.

Education

The required third-year clerkship taught by the Department of Surgery is designed to expose students to the basic principles of surgery, not to surgical techniques. Students are instructed in some techniques used in minor surgery. Major emphasis is given to the principles of wound healing, fluid and electrolyte balance, the introduction to specific surgical diseases, organ trauma, inflammatory responses and malignancy. Ward rounds and assignment of patients to students offers an opportunity for preoperative evaluation and the acquisition of sound surgical judgment. Daily surgical lectures, semi-weekly subspecialty seminars and surgical grand rounds provide students the opportunity to enhance their abilities. Participation in the operating room, postoperative management and case presentations help to complete the total surgical experience and provide continuity of care.

In addition to the experience in general surgery, the fourth-year elective program allows further exposure to anesthesiology, audiology, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, podiatry, speech pathology, urology and vascular surgery. Students also may participate in patient management in the Pain Clinic.

Student participation in any ongoing research program is welcome.

Courses

Surgery GME

Contact Us
Department of Surgery
The Texas A&M Health Science Center - College of Medicine
Scott & White Hospital
2401 South 31st Street
Temple, TX 76508

Academic Offices
Phone: (254) 724-2595
Fax: (254) 724-2786
Email: LLawhorn@swmail.sw.org