This piece was written at the start of my Core Surgical Training — that disorienting moment when you've finally secured a training post but still stumble over how to introduce yourself to a patient. It was published on the RCS England blog in October 2014.
"Hello, my name's Daniel and I'm one of the …um… new surgical SHOs here."
As with every new rotation I've started on, the first few days always seem to be a plunge into the deep end. The elation of attaining a long coveted Surgical training post rapidly gives way to the practicalities of introducing my new role to the wider public, and the gentleman at the side of the bed smiles with bemusement as I stumble through the most basic of common courtesies.
"So what does SHO mean exactly? It says Core Trainee on your badge," he ripostes, probably hoping for a little small talk to pass the time before his elective hernia repair. Instead, I peer about myself, pondering the existential crises this lovely 72 year old had unwittingly unleashed.