SAN ANTONIO -- Some San Antonio students got an inside peek at the new high-tech ways doctors look at the heart. It’s an attempt to get young people interested in the field of cardiology.
Antonia Garza is being evaluated for a lung transplant. Specialists at University Hospital are checking her heart to make sure it’s strong enough for surgery.
Garza had an audience Friday. Students from Churchill High School were observing to learn about advancements in cardiac care.
Classroom lessons about anatomy and physiology were springing to life for them in a clinical setting.
“Technology in the medical field is crazy,” 18-year-old senior Jessica Rice said. “They’re making advances constantly and I think it’s excellent. I’m ready to learn and take that opportunity to advance.”
The UT Health Science Center and University Hospital hosted the 40 high school students. Many of them plan to pursue careers in healthcare.
“I was thinking about being a nurse, possibly. I don’t know,” 18-year-old senior Molly Sapp said. “I have some aunts who are nurses and they’ve kind of inspired me.”
Modern 3D imaging has made diagnosing and treating cardiac patients more exact. The students were impressed.
“Being able to take something from the classroom to the real world definitely puts more emphasis,” said Teresa Hodan, an anatomy and physiology teacher at Churchill. “And it may excite them to become our cardiologists of the future.”
The students also walked away with a new skill. They all learned the new hands-only CPR recommended by the American Heart Association.
