High school students can explore orthopedic surgery and engineering during one-day event

The West Virginia University School of Medicine is partnering with The Perry Initiative to let local high-school students explore careers in medicine and engineering. During the event, students get hands-on experience with six simulated surgical exercises and career insight from local women with expertise in the field.

The free event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the WVU Health Sciences Center.

Students who gender-identify as women or nonbinary in grades 10 and up are encouraged to apply to the program. The application deadline is Thursday, Nov. 9.

"Students are provided with hands-on experiences to explore the worlds of orthopedic surgery and engineering. More importantly, they have the opportunity to learn from and network with female orthopedic surgeons and other healthcare professionals who provide care to their communities and the people of West Virginia," Michelle Bramer, M.D., associate professor of orthopedic trauma surgery, said.

During the event, faculty, fellows and residents from the WVU Department of Orthopaedics and WVU Department of Surgery will guide students in simulated suturing, casting, placing plates and screws, spine surgery and repairing knee ligaments.

The Perry Initiative inspires young women to be leaders in orthopedic surgery and engineering by partnering with medical centers, universities and high schools nationwide.

To register, visit perryinitiative.org/pop-application.

For more information on the WVU School of Medicine, visit medicine.wvu.edu