HS Field Trip to view Open Heart Surgery

Steel Valley High School seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field had the opportunity to view an open heart surgery at Allegheny General Hospital on February 8. Students Chelsea Bulger, Jennifer Nguyen, Myrian Perez-Paulino, and Madison Blasko witnessed the 4-hour open heart surgery from the observation deck above the operating room. While peering down through the glass window, they were able to watch the surgeon, nurse, surgical tech, anesthesiologist, perfusionist, and other surgical team members of AGH perform a Redo Sternotomy, a Redo Aortic Root Replacement, and an Aortic Valve Replacement. Cardiac surgeon and Chair of the Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Stephen Bailey, wore a head camera that projected live to a screen in the observation room, and Ms. Chelsea Thomas, the Director of Development, joined the students to inform them of each step of the surgery as it was taking place and to give them insights about the varying job descriptions of each surgical team member. Dr. Victor Farah, a noninvasive cardiologist, also joined the students to provide even more information and to answer questions.

"This is such a great educational experience for our students and we truly appreciate the opportunity that AGH provides by inviting them to have this real-world understanding", said Mr. Shawn McCallister, the High School Gifted Support teacher who arranged this educational trip and tries to take a group each year.