General Surgery Acting InterNship ProMedica
Title of Course: General Surgery
Elective Year(s): Fourth-Year Elective
Department: Surgery
Type of Elective: Clinical
Course Site: The Toledo Hospital
Course Number: SURG 732
Blocks Available: All
Number of Students/Block: 1 student
Faculty: Dr. Joseph Sferra, Dr. John Stengle, Dr. Albert Tsang
Elective Description/Requirements: Students will be integrated into the service as a member of the surgical team and function as an intern on the service under the supervision of faculty and resident staff. Students will participate in all aspects of patient management, both inpatient and outpatient. Attend daily rounds, participate in the OR, and see patients in the clinic/outpatient setting. Students will be required to perform 3 H&P’s and 3 discharge summaries
Length of Course: 4 weeks
Links to Core Competencies/Educational Course Objectives: At the end of this elective, the student will be able to:
- Discuss common surgical problems. (EPOs: PC-7, PC-8, MK-4, MK-7)
- Independently perform a complete surgical history and physical examination. (EPOs: PC-1, PC-2, PC-3, PC-4)
- Implementing a plan for diagnostic evaluation. (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4, MK-6, MK-7, PC-6)
- Interpret the significance of the history and physical and laboratory and diagnostic findings to formulate a differential diagnosis. (EPOs: IPC-1, IPC-2, PC-1, PC-3)
- Discuss basic understanding of therapeutic options. (EPOs: PC-5, PC-6, MK-4, MK-6, MK-7)
- Perform basic operative skills necessary to perform less complex procedures. (EPOs: PC-5)
- Write a complete and accurate daily progress note including interpretation of results of laboratory and radiographic/imaging studies. (EPOs: IPC-1, IPC-2, PC-1, PC-3)
- Assist in wound care and common general surgery procedures. (EPOs: PC-5)
- Perform basic suture and basic laparoscopic procedure techniques. (EPOs: PC-5)
- Accurately present patient information concerning the patient’s condition, progress and results of laboratory and radiographic/imaging studies. (EPOs: PC-1, PC-3, IPC-1, IPC-2, PC-6, MK-7)
- Participate in evening or weekend clinical care to support continuity of patient care and demonstrate professionalism in varied clinical settings. (EPO: IPC-2)
- Conduct structured patient handoffs using an evidence‑based communication approach to ensure safe and accurate transfer of care. (EPO: SBP-1)
Professionalism: UT/COM students will meet or exceed the institutional standards for professionalism as stated in the current Educational Program Objectives and the current Educational Course Objectives for the Sponsoring Department.
Instructional Methods:
- Interpretation of lab data
- Diagnostic tests-use/interpretation
- Small group instruction
- Case studies
- Ambulatory care experience
- Grand rounds
- Teaching rounds
- Residency program/departmental conferences
Assessment Methods:
- Acting Internship Assessment
- Case write up
Prerequisites: Successful completion of required Surgery Clerkship
Special Requirements:
- As part of the acting internship, students are required to participate in at least one evening or weekend clinical experience. This experience ensures exposure to the full spectrum of patient care responsibilities and supports readiness for residency-level schedules and work environment.
- Students are expected to participate in structured patient handoffs as part of their clinical responsibilities. This includes observing and contributing to the sign-out processes to ensure safe, effective transitions of care.
- Participation in night call is recommended because many cases come in after hours. A call schedule will be arranged per individual faculty member.
Clerkship Director: Stephanie Pannell, M.D.
Clerkship Coordinator: Alyx Wiley
Phone Number: 419.383.3580
Email: bwiley3@rockets.utoledo.edu
ECC Approved
March 2026