South Gwinnett High School Academy students view live surgery

     South Gwinnett High School students recently had the opportunity to participate in a “Live From Surgery”- Kidney Transplant. This immersive surgical experience brought them into the heart of a life-changing medical procedure. The school’s Health and Human Service Academy teamed up with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and the Liberty Science Center to provide students with this learning opportunity. Students observed a son give a kidney to his father who was suffering from the impact of diabetes. Through the Live From Surgery program, students engage with medical professionals in real time, gaining firsthand insights into healthcare, surgical teamwork, and biotechnology. This experience allowed students to speak with the surgical team during the surgery.

     “Watching the kidney transplant surgery was truly life changing,” South Gwinnett High Senior Elizabeth Mayorga shares. “Seeing the skill and teamwork in the operating room confirmed that I must be a nurse. I can’t wait to be part of a team that saves lives every day!” South Gwinnett High’s Principal Rodney Jordan says the intimate discussions provided valuable career inspiration for students interested in healthcare fields. “Experiencing a live kidney surgery and having the opportunity to interact with the surgeons was an impactful educational experience for our students,” Jordan shares. “It not only deepens their understanding of medical science but also inspires them to pursue careers in healthcare. This hands-on learning approach fosters critical thinking and curiosity, allowing students to see the real-world applications of their studies and ask insightful questions directly to the experts.”

     This is not the first time South Gwinnett High has provided students with this opportunity. Last year students enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Academy programs focusing on healthcare pathways, observed and asked questions during a laparoscopic surgery. Video teleconference technology was used to take students into the operating room in New Jersey.

     “At South Gwinnett High School, we are committed to providing our students cutting-edge educational opportunities, and live surgeries like this really show it,” Jordan shares. “This experience embodies our school’s dedication to excellence, curiosity, and preparing students for future success.”