As someone interested in healthcare and patient care, I chose to complete this simulation because I wanted a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes in the operating room. While many students are familiar with physicians and nurses, the role of a surgical technologist is often less visible despite being essential to patient safety and successful surgical procedures. This simulation gave me the opportunity to explore that role in a structured, low-pressure environment and made the surgical setting feel much more approachable and less intimidating.
The simulation focused on the responsibilities of a surgical technologist throughout the perioperative process, including the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery. I learned how a surgical technologist’s responsibilities change across these phases and how maintaining organization, communication, and sterility contributes to patient safety. The program also introduced key medical terminology, common surgical supplies, and the workflow of an operating room team. Rather than simply memorizing information, I had to think critically about real-world scenarios and apply what I learned to make decisions similar to those a surgical technologist might face.
One aspect I particularly enjoyed was seeing how different healthcare professionals collaborate during a procedure. The simulation highlighted the importance of teamwork, preparation, attention to detail, and anticipating the needs of others. These are skills that extend far beyond the operating room and are valuable in many healthcare professions.
I would recommend this simulation to students interested in medicine, nursing, physician assistant studies, surgical technology, or any healthcare career involving patient care. It is especially useful for students who want exposure to the clinical environment but may not yet have shadowing or hospital experience. The simulation provides a realistic introduction to surgical workflows without requiring prior medical knowledge.
In an interview, I would discuss this experience as an example of proactive career exploration. I will explain how the simulation strengthened my understanding of perioperative care, patient safety, and interdisciplinary teamwork. I will also emphasize how it reinforced the importance of preparation, communication, and critical thinking in healthcare settings. Completing the simulation helped me better appreciate the role surgical technologists play in supporting both patients and the broader surgical team.
Here is the link to the Surgical Tech Forage Simulation
Dennis Boakye ’26 is a senior with a major in Neuroscience and a minor in Mathematics. Dennis is the current career peer educator for the Health and Medicinal Professions (HMP) and the Physical and Natural Sciences (PHN) career communities at Lawrence University. Connect with Dennis on LinkedIn.