Posted 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024
Unique partnership at Gundersen's ICE House allows students to explore healthcare careers up close
Imagine not just studying the operating room but virtually stepping into it — experiencing every crack, hammer strike and drill sound during surgery.
Recently, 10 UWL students had the opportunity to observe a total knee replacement at the Gundersen Integrated Center for Education (ICE House). Under the guidance of Josh Bench, coordinator of UWL’s Pre-Health Student Resource Center, the experience provided students with a realistic view of the operating room.
The ICE House is a hands-on learning center for Gundersen employees and students from the broader community. The facility has a mock operating room, a robotic simulation lab, patient scenario rooms and more.
“The aim is to provide students with a firsthand glimpse into the workings of the operating room and hopefully spark passion for pursuing the education required to enter this field” Bench says. The participating students were enrolled in Health Professions 106 (HP 106), a UWL course designed to educate students from all majors about the many career paths within the medical and health sectors.
In addition to observing the knee replacement, students toured the whole Gundersen ICE House facility.
“I really liked seeing the simulation rooms and all the things Gundersen has to offer,” says Avery Vait, a biology major. “I learned a lot and really enjoyed it. It's the closest thing I've seen to anything like this, besides on TV shows.”
Experiences like this not only enhance students' practical skills, Bench says, but also enrich their career portfolios. This can strengthen their applications for graduate school.
“This experience is yet another piece of the career puzzle for these students,” Bench explains. “No one piece makes them ready or clarifies the picture fully. However, taken together, students can feel confident and clear-eyed about their future careers.”
Bench and his co-instructors in the Pre-Health Student Resource Center, who do not have specific background in health care, lean on healthcare professionals to share their stories and insights.
“It’s the best when we can get students visuals and hands-on opportunities,” Bench says. “One of our main goals is for students to make career-related decisions sooner rather than later. My co-instructors and I take pride in helping students dip a toe into a given career, with opportunities to jump in once they get interested.”
For some students, like senior biology major Gavin Hanke, this was their first time witnessing a surgery.
“Observing the total knee replacement was fascinating,” Hanke says. “The experience has had a positive impact on me pursuing a career in medicine. Hearing the surgeon talk about how this knee replacement would allow the patient to be able to walk by the next day was amazing.”
The Pre-Health Student Resource Center is part of the Academic Advising Center & Career Services Office, offering comprehensive health professions information for students, faculty and staff. The center also provides career advising with a focus on pre-health paths, workshops and events for career exploration, graduate school preparation and application tips.