Experiencing General Surgery at BJMC and SGH Pune: A Comprehensive Review

Aspiring surgeons often grapple with the decision of which institution to choose for their medical education. After securing an All India Rank of 743, I initially considered JJ Hospital, but the distance from my family made it an impractical choice. By the third round of counseling in 2023, I made the switch to Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) and BJ Medical College (BJMC) in Pune, and my experiences have far surpassed initial expectations.

Case Exposure and Comprehensive Training

The General Surgery Department at SGH offers a wide range of case exposure, from basic surgeries to the most complex malignancies. Unlike some prestigious institutions known for their names and reputations, SGH maintains a familial atmosphere that nurtures both personal and professional growth. The department is well-equipped to handle cases involving rare diseases, malignancies, urology, bariatric, and minimal access surgeries, all of which contribute to a well-rounded training ground.

ICU and Holistic Patient Care

Surgery is not just about straightforward procedures—it is about managing complications, ICU care, and having a robust anesthesia backup. At SGH, residents manage a variety of critical tasks, such as ventilator use, intubation, tracheostomies, central lines, and ABG analysis. The medicine department being relatively inactive in surgical management provides excellent training in medicine and anesthesia, fostering a holistic approach to patient care. Additionally, the lower levels of ego within the department facilitate better collaboration and learning from other departments.

Tertiary Care and Referral Setup

As the only government tertiary care setup in the Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Ahmednagar regions, SGH is equipped to handle the most complex cases, with no need for external referrals. This ensures that residents gain hands-on experience in managing challenging cases, enhancing their overall surgical skills. The hospital frequently conducts ERCP and other advanced procedures, providing surgery residents with valuable interdisciplinary exposure. Pancreatic and liver surgeries, along with routine HBP cases, add another layer of complexity to the training.

Superspecialty Exposure

While SGH lacks dedicated gastroenterology and oncology departments, it offers excellent exposure to neurosurgery and plastic surgery, allowing residents to gain hands-on experience in these fields. General surgeons at SGH handle a wide variety of cases, enriching the learning experience. The proximity of departments, wards, OT, pathology, and microbiology ensures efficiency, and the radiology department is accessible 24/7.

Accessibility and Facilities

The layout of SGH ensures that departments such as wards and OTs are on the same floor, streamlining efficiency. Ward side rooms are among the best I have seen in any college, well-equipped and hygienic. The CODE BLUE team works tirelessly to support residents, offering essential clinical support. At SGH, surgical equipment is top-notch, including multiple Harmonic EDGE, LigaSure, and laparoscopic instruments, which residents use routinely. The wards are well-maintained and secure, providing a conducive learning environment.

Challenges and Growth

While SGH offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. The initial year often involves MLC cases, which can be energy-draining due to the paperwork involved. Additionally, the initial year is spent on ward management and less surgical cutting, but this groundwork prepares residents for a more focused surgical practice later. The hospital also faces common medical college issues such as cumbersome accommodations, inadequate toilet facilities, and occasional senior toxicity.

Conclusion

My decision to join SGH and BJMC was driven by the desire to stay close to family. While I initially felt disappointed, my experiences over the past year have shown me that the training here is unparalleled. The variety, complexity of cases, and the intensity of the work make SGH an excellent choice for any aspiring surgeon. The opportunity to learn from diverse cases and develop a holistic approach to patient care sets SGH apart.

Keywords: general surgery, BJMC Pune, SGH Pune