AMSA Suture Lab

Suturing is a practice that all doctors must learn, not just surgeons, as suturing is done by general practitioners as well to assist in the closing and healing of a wound.

 Yesterday, AMSA (American medical student association) put on a beginner's suture lab for its members.  The instructor was very helpful and was previously a medic in the Army, so he had plenty of experience.  We had a chance to suture pig's feet together after making an incision longitudinally.   I learned how to tie a basic surgeon's knot and to put in basic horizontal sutures.  I also was able with some help to do  vertical and horizontal "mattress" sutures, which are used for deep subcutaneous gashes.

 

In the short hour and 20 min. I found myself getting better, and lost track of time doing the sutures.  It is an important skills, and like anything else must be improved with much practice.  I can assuredly
say that suturing pig's feet is much more fun than eating them.