Wiregrass Partnerships Makes Donation to Surgical Technology Program

Staff Report From Valdosta CEO

Friday, November 3rd, 2017

The Surgical Technology Program on the Valdosta Campus of Wiregrass Georgia Technical College welcomed a new “student” recently.  “Carla” is a high tech surgical simulator known as a Syndaver.  Syndaver that is a remarkably realistic model of the human body and its systems.  The SynDaver will enhance the educational experience for students as they develop their skills in surgical technology.  Kelly Phillips, Surgical Technology Program Coordinator, shared, “We plan to use the Syndaver for realistic anatomy lessons as well as utilization of surgical instruments, and learning how to position patients for specific surgeries.”
 
The new technology was made possible thanks to Dr. Edward and Rhonda Mark, long-time supporters of Wiregrass Tech, who graciously gave $50,000 resulting in the naming of the lab area to the Edward and Rhonda Mark Surgical Technology Lab.   SynDaver donated $25,000 towards “Carla” and the classroom was renamed the SynDaver Surgical Technology Classroom.   Georgia Power Company gave $10,000, and Dr. Charles Hobby also gave $5,000 to the new SynDaver.  A special ceremony was held to honor the donors and to share the naming of the rooms with area community leaders and legislators.  The name plaques were made by Wiregrass Machine Tool students and painted by students in the Auto Collision Repair Program.  Students in Culinary Arts created an artistic and delicious cake for the ceremony. The event was captured on film by a Digital Media student.
 
The Surgical Technology Program prepares students for a career in the operating room. Surgical techs work alongside the surgeon anticipating what he will need before, during and after the case. The job involves creating and maintaining a sterile environment to prevent surgical site infections, and preparing and using instruments and equipment during the operation. Training in the field of surgical technology also prepares a student for a job in the central sterile processing department where instruments are cleaned, sorted, then packaged and sterilized for use not only in the O.R, but throughout the hospital such as labor and delivery and the GI lab or Cath lab.