The ONS Foundation for Clinical Research and Education (ONSF), held its 3rd Annual Mini-Med School June 22 to 25.
The ONSF Arthroscopy, Surgical Skills and Biomechanical Research Lab provided an ideal mentor/student atmosphere. Fifteen high school students embraced the opportunity to participate in a “hands-on” experience, a one-week workshop in orthopedics.
The week included an ultra-sound workshop, review of X-ray and MRI, an introduction to physical therapy and some one on one time with ONSF research interns.
Doctors discussed orthopedic problems, physical examination and diagnosis. From putting on surgical scrubs to learning surgical procedures, students were introduced to the operating room environment. In addition, they participated in lectures and a workshop that dealt exclusively with suturing.
Other activities included learning the fine points of fluoroscopy and actually performing knee and shoulder arthroscopy on “Alex” models. Orthopedic surgeons made it possible for the students to look inside the distal radius models, observe the injury and tissues and make the necessary repairs.
This year’s students hailed from Greenwich Academy, Greenwich High School, Brunswick School, Sacred Heart Academy and Poly Prep School and demonstrated an interest in careers in medicine or were enrolled in a STEM program.
Student Jessica Liu wrote that she had “…a truly rewarding experience… I learned so much from the doctors’ experiences …strengthening my strong desire to become a doctor and pursue a career in medicine.”
