Join us for another session of PetMedic Pathways, a free monthly STEM series designed for high school students interested in animal health, science, and careers in veterinary medicine.

Whether you dream of becoming a veterinarian, veterinary technician, surgical nurse, or simply enjoy science and medicine, this interactive program will introduce you to the fascinating world of veterinary surgery and the critical role sterility plays in keeping patients safe.

This Month's Topic:
Surgery & Sterility

Discover how veterinary teams prepare for surgery, maintain a sterile environment, and work together to perform life-saving procedures. Learn why preventing infection is one of the most important responsibilities of every surgical team and how science, engineering, and teamwork come together in the operating room.

We'll explore the stages of surgical preparation, discuss sterile technique, surgical instruments, patient monitoring, and anesthesia, and examine how veterinarians perform procedures ranging from routine spays and neuters to emergency surgeries. Students will also work through real patient cases and participate in interactive demonstrations featuring surgical equipment, gowning, gloving, and sterile field techniques.

By the end of the session, students should be able to:

• Explain why sterility is essential during veterinary surgery.
• Identify common surgical instruments and describe their purpose.
• Understand the steps involved in preparing a patient and surgical suite.
• Describe the roles of each member of the veterinary surgical team.
• Learn simple suture techniques from the surgical team.
• Work together like a veterinary team to plan a safe surgical procedure while maintaining proper sterile technique.
  
  

Students are welcome to attend one session or the entire series throughout the school year. Each workshop stands on its own, so you won't fall behind if you miss one. Earn a Certificate of Completion for each session or a special certificate for the series if you attend all nine sessions.

This program is for high school students (grades 9–12) with an interest in STEM, biology, veterinary science, healthcare, surgery, or medical technology.

Space is limited, so registration is required.