16 aspiring student medics experienced a live operating theatre at a one day interactive science event.
Operating Theatre Live is the UK’s only interactive dissection-based human body workshop set in a real operating theatre for those considering medicine, dentistry or biosciences courses.
Barton Peveril science students attended the event in Basingstoke to see if they have what it takes to become a surgeon. They examined animal stomachs, performed a tracheotomy and completed a heart transplant under the watchful eyes of their teachers and trainers.
Barton Peveril science students begin their examinations
Students began the day working with an expert team of operating theatre technicians to systematically study, examine and dissect specimens as well as cross-examining their observations by looking at the physiology of organs and tissues. Alongside the sessions, students focussed on developing their science skills and discussing their career ideas.
Set up by the head of science and STEM coordinator for Sheffield University, Samuel Piri, the experience aims to bring to life the teaching of anatomy and physiology and Barton Peveril Science Teacher Alan Glaze said the event did just that:
“I’ve never seen anything like this – it is a unique experience which our students will not forget. The teaching of scientific concepts was interspersed with 10 practical sessions which saw students bring their learning to life with real anatomical animal samples. The event will certainly support our students with their career plans and university applications.”
Each student was expected to wear full scrubs whilst they worked on the different activities across several operating tables. Rosie Middleton, a Barton Peveril science student formerly from Wyvern who has had interview offers from four different medical schools said:
“It was interesting to learn more about such a complicated and life-changing procedure and understand some of the many difficulties involved. Handling real specimens has helped me to understand parts of my A Level Biology course that can be hard to visualise and this event will definitely help me to remember them. Today was fun – and it will look great on my personal statement and give me a topic to discuss at interviews.”
