In partnership with the McWane Science Center, the UAB Department of Surgery has launched a Surgical Education Series for Birmingham middle and high school students.

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted many students into e-learning environments. The department, alongside McWane Science Center, are adapting to these environments by transporting students into a virtual operating room experience. The series exposes learners to the idea of a surgical career and to the world of STEM.

The surgical education program is particularly impactful for students and underrepresented populations in the Birmingham community that otherwise would not have access to shadow in an operating room or spend time in a clinical setting.

The experience will open with an introduction from a surgeon and walk learners through a surgical case, from pre-operation set up through the surgery itself. Most of the surgeries highlighted will have a robotic element as the department regularly uses DaVinci surgical robots for minimally invasive surgeries.

Learners will have the chance to ask surgeons questions and hear the unique perspective of a physician-scientist. The ultimate hope is that students will be inspired by their experience and will consider pursuing a career in a STEM-related field.

Associate Vice Chair of Health Services Research and Co-Leader of Surgical Grand Rounds Daniel Chu, M.D., is leading the department’s efforts and presented a pilot of the program at the McWane Sci Café on Jun. 15 for adult learners.

The department and McWane Science Center hopes to launch the program into a regular-installment in the fall, when students return back to school. If you would like to be involved or support the McWane Science Center Surgical Education Series, reach out to Daniel Chu, M.D., or surgcomm@uabmc.edu.