First person - the first week of surgery

The New York Times Health blog points to a blog by a third year medical student about his initial experiences in the operating room. You can find the New York Times blog here: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/the-mysteries-of-surgeons-revealed/ and the original blog here: http://scienceblogs.com/denialism/2008/01/a_week_of_surgery_some_impress.php.

While commenters may be quick to point out the student's naivete, it is fascinating to read a student's first impressions. So much of the education of a doctor takes place beyond textbooks and lectures. A large amount of medical education takes place as the student soaks in the culture of the practice of medicine and the attitudes of more experienced practitioners. The question is: How do these first impressions impact how that doctor practices medicine years down the road?