Healthcare Professional Interview
Surgical TechnologistLisa BrownSurgical Technologist Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Services Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 1. I chose this career because... After completing the first phase of military basic training, I attended the USAF School of Healthcare Services in Wichita Falls, Texas. This program provided all the foundation I needed to become a surgical technologist. Upon completion of the program, I received my certification in surgical technology. I did hands-on-training at the Montgomery Regional Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. 
2. My typical workday involves... My typical workday involves providing assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. These procedures range from minimally invasive biopsies http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003416.htm to highly complex surgeries. Each procedure must be carried out in a sterile environment to prevent the spread of infection to the patient. I function as the primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. I prepare and maintain highly complex sterile environments. I also assist in the training of new staff members.Equipment we use during surgeries:
3. What I like best/least about my work... What I like best about my work is the complexity of some of our surgical cases. After working most of my career in a community hospital, I find it very interesting to work in the NIH research environment. I have worked on surgical cases here that I never knew existed. What I like least about my work is that not all of my patients are going to have a great outcome. Because NIH is a research facility, many of the patients we see are very ill, and may have been unsuccessful with traditional treatments. 4. My career goals are...
Courtesy of National Institutes of Health, Office of Science Education |
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