Working in surgery requires a great deal of attention to detail and often multi-tasking. What do you do to help keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed?

"Being a surgical first assistant does require the ability to multitask while handling situations that may create stress. I feel it is important to know our own personal strengths and weaknesses. For instance, I am very detail oriented and always write very detailed notes regarding everything I do for a patient. I like to make sure that I know what the patient goals are with regard to the procedure he is scheduled to have and make sure that I have a mental list of what needs to be done and in what order. It makes most situations less overwhelming."

Managing the care of a patient in a surgical setting requires the ability to multitask and ensure all details are checked and double-checked. In a surgical first assistant interview, discuss your understanding of the importance of maintaining detailed records, performing multiple assessments and handling instruments and performing procedures efficiently and accurately.

"I am very detail-oriented. One of my strengths as a surgical first assistant is to manage multiple medical tasks with the highest degree of excellence."