In the photo above, Cristian, a junior at Paul VI High School, is learning firsthand how surgeons use arthroscopic equipment in knee surgery. His guide is Dr. Bernardini, an orthopedic surgeon at Virtua Health.
The setting is a unique event hosted by Virtua in which high school students interested in healthcare careers got the opportunity to interact both with cutting-edge medical equipment and with the medical professionals who use them to save knees—and lives.
Cristian was one of 10 Domenica Scholars who took advantage of this unique opportunity. All had participated in Virtua’s student healthcare symposium last fall. Cristian wants to be an obstetrician. Other students have expressed interest in respiratory therapy and anesthesiology. Two seniors plan to pursue degrees that lead to medical careers: one will study biology at Rowan University and the other is going into medical imaging at Caldwell University.
Mock arthroscopic surgery (facilitated in an acute care mobile lab Virtua brought in for this and similar events) was just one of several hands-on experiences in which our scholarship students participated.
Another highlight was simulated abdominal surgery with a laparoscope and surgical instruments. In this photo, Tina practices abdominal surgery, guided by Advanced Nurse Clinician Colleen Chiodo, while Chinwe looks on. Tina and Chinwe both attend Camden Catholic High School.
A Q&A session introduced students to several roles beyond the familiar ones that require an MD, including perioperative surgical nurse, surgical technician, central service supply technician, and anesthesia technician. The presentation outlined educational requirements (hint: way less than an MD) and identified local programs.
But perhaps the biggest highlight was time for one-on-one interaction with Virtua physicians, nurses, and other medical staff. “These casual conversations allowed the students to explore the endless possibilities within health care,” said Elena Piperno, Domenica Foundation director.
“Our scholars learned that finding your passion is not a straight path and that you don’t have to have everything figured out at 16!” Elena went on to say. For example, she overhead one surgeon telling students that he had studied music composition in college. Dedication to medicine came later.
“All the Virtua staff were so open with sharing their stories!” said Elena. “We are incredibly grateful to them and to the Virtua leaders who planned this educational and inspirational day.”