By Libby Hopkins
The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) and Florida Hospital have joined forces to present Live Surgery at the museum. This is a first-of-its-kind partnership between a hospital and a science center in the state of Florida.
“Florida Hospital had an interest in developing a connection between healthcare professionals and the way they felt they could do this in the most authentic way was to showcase what their surgeons and professionals do on a daily basis,” said MOSI’s Deputy Director of Development, Kellen Nixon. “MOSI had an interest in creating a platform around healthcare careers, so it was the perfect opportunity.”
The Live Surgery program creates an interactive experience where Florida Hospital surgeons perform innovative surgeries that will be broadcasted live in MOSI’s Coleman Science Works Theater for middle school, high school and college students. This experience is designed to pique student’s interest and help guide them to the fastest growing segment of our economy-healthcare-in a friendly environment where they can ask questions.
“The MOSI education department will work with the school groups and provide five hands-on stations immediately following the Live Surgery sessions to enhance the live surgery experience,” said MOSI’s Education Operations Director, Janet White. “In addition to the Live Surgery experience, the students are able to explore The Amazing You exhibit and interact with a S.T.E.A.M. punk with a SynDaver Synthetic Human. The SynDaver Synthetic Human mimics living tissue and is made of salt water and fiber, just like a human body. These activities add another layer to the Live Surgery experience.”
The first Live Surgery was a heart valve replacement surgery and it debuted to 50 Middleton High School students last month at MOSI.
“Middleton High School was the first group to come because they have a group of biomedical students who are interested in STEAM careers in the medical field,” White said. “As we have talked about the program with educators, there is definitely an excitement about the program. Our hopes are to continue to offer the Live Surgery to middle, high school and adult groups as well as to expand the program by offering surgeries other than heart valve replacement.”
Visit www.mosi.org or call 987-6000. The Museum of Science & Industry is located at 4801 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa.
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