By Marilyn Forbes

For the Tribune-Review

A group of students from Uniontown Area High School took a field trip to Pittsburgh to observe open-heart surgery.

Fifteen students in Jodie Wells' gifted student program made the journey to Allegheny General Hospital to observe a four-hour double-bypass surgery.

Sitting just above the operation in the observation room, the students were able to witness the entire procedure.

"It was a great experience," student Caileigh Carei said, "we got to see what it was really like."

Wells said she heard of the surgery trip opportunities from a fellow teacher and thought that the prospect of taking the students to observe an actual procedure would be an exciting opportunity to offer them.

"It was a wonderful experience for them," Wells said. "I had heard about this last year and I called in May to see if we could set something up."

The double bypass surgery was preformed by Stephen Bailey, who was assisted by a team of about 12 people.

The surgeon and his team removed a section of a vein from the patient's leg that was then used in the procedure.

"It was really interesting and it was way worth it," said student Joe Gentilcore, who hopes to one day become a surgeon. "I think that the experience added even more interest for me."

"I had heard about other schools that did this and I was excited that we were able to go," student Erik Klatt said, "it was pretty cool to see a surgery. It was very detailed and it was interesting to watch."

For some students, the experience hit closer to home, giving them a glimpse into what some of their loved ones have endured.
 

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