Clinic experience
Practice focused histories, physical examinations, differential diagnosis, informed consent discussions, and patient education.
Medical Students · General Surgery
Medical Student Surgery Rotation with Dr. Daniel Gay
Prepare for a general surgery clerkship experience in Boise and the Treasure Valley with practical guidance for clinic, the operating room, endoscopy, and perioperative learning.
Welcome to the rotation
A physician-led general surgery learning experience
Dr. Daniel Gay serves as a clinical clerkship preceptor for medical students rotating through General Surgery in the Treasure Valley. Students may have the opportunity to participate in clinic visits, operating room cases, endoscopy, perioperative care, and patient education.
The goal is to help students understand surgical decision-making, patient safety, communication, anatomy, and the practical workflow of a general surgery practice. The exact schedule and clinical experiences depend on patient care needs and facility availability.
Rotation logistics disclaimer: Student schedules, requirements, badging instructions, facility access, and assigned experiences may change. Confirm current instructions with the rotation coordinator or supervising office.
What students can expect
Clinical learning settings
Operating room experience
Prepare by reviewing the patient, indication, anatomy, operative plan, positioning, and anticipated postoperative care.
Endoscopy experience
Observe patient selection, preparation, procedural technique, findings, documentation, and follow-up planning.
Medical education partner
Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
Explore osteopathic medical education and student resources from Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Common cases students may see
Connect reading with clinical care
Hernia repair
Groin, umbilical, ventral, incisional, and recurrent hernias.
Gallbladder surgery
Gallstones, biliary colic, cholecystitis, and operative planning.
Appendicitis
Diagnosis, imaging, antibiotics, and appendectomy.
Colonoscopy
Indications, bowel preparation, findings, and follow-up.
EGD
Upper endoscopy indications, anatomy, and common findings.
Lipoma removal
Evaluation and removal of common soft tissue masses.
Skin cancer
Biopsy, excision, margins, and pathology.
Badging, parking, scrubs, and EMR access
- Confirm the first-day meeting location and arrival time.
- Complete required onboarding, badging, and EMR training.
- Verify parking and facility-specific scrub instructions.
- Bring required identification and student credentials.
How to prepare
- Review common surgical presentations and basic anatomy.
- Practice concise oral presentations.
- Understand sterile technique and OR safety basics.
- Bring a small notebook and questions.
Suggested reading assignments and student resources
Build a useful study plan
Read around the patients and procedures you encounter. Start with the clinical question, review relevant anatomy and physiology, then connect management choices to perioperative risks and expected outcomes.
Practical guide
How to Succeed on a Surgery Rotation
Prepare for clinic, rounds, the operating room, presentations, and postoperative care.
Career explorationIs General Surgery Right for Me?
Explore training, daily work, lifestyle realities, and different practice models.
Study planGeneral Surgery Reading List
Review core clerkship topics and connect them to common clinical cases.
Interactive resourceChoose a Residency Specialty Calculator
Compare your interests with a broad range of medical specialties.
A lighter look at medical training
Medical student life, in pictures
A little humor belongs in a demanding course of study.
Common questions
Medical Student FAQ
Do medical students rotate with Dr. Daniel Gay?
Dr. Daniel Gay serves as a clinical clerkship preceptor for medical students rotating through General Surgery in the Treasure Valley. Availability and schedules vary.
What should I read before a general surgery rotation?
Review common presentations including hernias, gallbladder disease, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, endoscopy, skin lesions, perioperative care, and postoperative complications.
What cases might I see on a general surgery clerkship?
Students may encounter clinic visits, endoscopy, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendicitis evaluation, skin and soft tissue procedures, and perioperative care. Specific experiences are never guaranteed.
How should I prepare for the operating room?
Know the patient, indication, relevant anatomy, procedure basics, and safety expectations. Confirm arrival time, attire, and facility access instructions in advance.
Continue exploring surgery and medical careers
Use these educational resources to prepare thoughtful questions and make the most of your clinical learning.