Redlands Adventist Academy (RAA) students recently explored orthopedic surgery through an immersive lab led by alumnus Corey Fuller, orthopedist. Eager to give back, Fuller instructed Anatomy and Physiology students through procedures such as fracture repairs, bone structure analysis, and surgical techniques.
The session allowed students to work with surgical tools, reinforcing their classroom knowledge with real-world application. Student Sydney Van Zant appreciated the hands-on approach, stating, “It helped me better understand fractures and what factors go into repairing them.” She emphasized the importance of precise screw placement, adding, “We had to be precise and make sure not to drill or cover any parts of the growth plate on the femur.”
Faith Hayton found the experience engaging. “It was more helpful for me to do something hands-on and make connections about what we’ve learned in class,” she said, describing the process of aligning bones using plates and screws. Grace Hayton also found the lab inspiring, sharing, “It made the medical field seem less scary and more interesting than I thought it would be.”
Other students walked away with a greater appreciation for surgical work. Caroline Keough remarked, “The fact that the bone felt real was especially interesting. It gave me a deeper understanding of how surgeons work.” Maidah Khan saw new career possibilities, saying, “After the lab, I started thinking about possibly going into surgery, and it rekindled my passion for cardiology.”
Carter Leichty was surprised by the similarities between surgical tools and everyday hardware. “I didn’t know that the equipment they use is very close to hardware tools like drills and screws,” he observed. Keathy Sanchez valued the practical knowledge, stating, “It may also be helpful to know what happens in a surgical procedure if a friend breaks a bone.”
The orthopedic surgery lab provided students with an invaluable learning experience, bridging academic study with hands-on medical practice. Dr. Fuller’s dedication to educating RAA students ensures young minds are equipped with knowledge that extends beyond the classroom, inspiring potential future careers in healthcare.