Hands On Experience at RPA’s STEMM Excursion

Several students across Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 participated in RPA’s Institute of Academic Surgery’s STEMM excursion which encourages female students to pursue STEMM careers through an interactive program. Students listened to talks from females in various medical professions followed by interactive surgical activities.

‘I really enjoyed the excursion! My favourite part was playing around with the equipment used in surgeries and trying to learn how to do sutures. It was also nice going into the simulation theatre and learning about what actually goes on in the theatres.  I think in the future I’d like to be some kind of surgeon.’  Jaslina (Year 9)

‘The experience at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital was certainly something very unique and engaging, that allowed me to be immersed within the different fields of medical surgery. For me, one of the main highlights of the experience was being able to meet medical professionals, including a neurosurgeon, Dr Brindha Shivalingam, who spoke upon their own personal experiences in the industry. Additionally, the interactive activities further enhanced the experience, as it allowed me to gain a first-hand insight into medical training. We were able to experiment with a variety of practice equipment, including performing sutures on silicone skin while using professional suture tweezers and experimenting with the laparoscopic training boxes to practice performing ‘key-hole’ surgeries.’  Bella (Year 9)

‘Visiting the Institute to Academic Surgery was an insightful experience that allowed us to be educated by five female clinicians about their individual medical pathways and the journey it took to get there. What surprised me was how dynamic the workplace was, no day is the same, and how medicine truly opens so many opportunities to follow or to change directions. However, it was without a doubt that the hands-on experience was the highlight of the excursion where we discovered the surgery room and played with silicon body parts.’  Elysse (Year 9)

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

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