In this episode of the Brown Surgery Podcast, host Ryan Desrochers and co-host Ken Lynch sit down with a panel of medical students to discuss the realities of the third-year surgery clerkship experience at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. The panel, featuring Lauren McNeil (MD '27), Timmy Jeng (MD '27), and Elleen Kim (MD '27), share their diverse perspectives on transitioning into the surgical environment.

The conversation dives into the structure of a typical day—from morning rounds to navigating the operating room (OR)—and offers practical advice on balancing clinical duties with shelf exam preparation. Whether you are a rising MS3 or just curious about life in the OR, this episode provides a grounded look at the challenges and rewards of surgical education.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Daily Grind: A breakdown of the early morning start times, rounding with the team, and managing floor tasks vs. OR time.
Site-Specific Advice: Insights into rotating at different locations, including Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam Hospital, and ACS (Acute Care Surgery).
Resource Recommendations: The panel’s favorite tools for success, including UWorld, Anki, OnlineMedEd, and surgical videos (JOMI).
OR Etiquette: How to introduce yourself to the scrub techs and residents, manage sterility, and stay engaged as a "team sport" player.
Wellness & Expectations: Debunking myths about "mean" surgeons and sharing tips for meal prepping and maintaining mental health during long weeks.

Starting the 3rd year Surgery Clerkship: Tips, Tricks, and Myths