Dr. Robert Wertz, General Surgeon and Chairman of the Board of Altoona Regional Health System, teaches residents during surgery rotation. The family physician should be able to diagnose those disorders which may require surgical intervention and recognize when referral of them for specialized care is appropriate.

The goal of the surgery rotation is to provide the resident with the ability to integrate knowledge of surgical principles, skills, and attitudes into an ambulatory setting. The general surgery rotation includes the combination of anesthesiology, surgery, and trauma. Residents have ample opportunity to enhance their skills in intubation and line placement.

The anesthesiology portion involves clinical evaluation and management skills, interpretation of tests and procedures and independent procedure performance. Continuity through the pre-op, operative, and post-operative phases are emphasized.  Residents scrub to perform procedures and first assist with our surgeons.

Helicopter carrying trauma patient flies over the Blair Medical Center, across the street from Altoona Regional Health System, where Altoona Family Physicians have their office. ATLS training is part of the first year curriculum. Medical students and residents can be part of the pre-hospital treatment by flying optional helicopter missions.