For the past several years, Dr. Michael Bollinger has volunteered as a teacher for the Gravenstein School District’s ENRICH! program, the acclaimed Creative Arts magnet program.This year, Dr. Bollinger educated a group of 14 Hillcrest Middle School students on operating room procedures, with the help of Tina Runge, RN and Beth Wenderoth, RN. Dressed in scrubs, gloves, masks and foot gear, students went into the OR and learned what they would do during an actual surgery. Dr. Bollinger has also taught students about total knee procedures, fractures, plating and arthroscopy.
“They’re very excited. It’s fun to gross them out,” said Bollinger. “Some students told me afterwards they were interested in pursuing a career in medicine.”
Dr. Bollinger commented that this age group is underappreciated. “They are still very enthusiastic about learning new things. As long as you keep things interesting and exciting, they pay attention,” said Bollinger.
