Who is a Surgical Technologist?
A Surgical Technologist is a vital member of the surgical team that many people outside the medical profession know little about. The Surgical Technologist is a highly skilled professional on a surgical team, working to ensure that the operative procedure has a positive outcome for the patient. Properly trained, the Surgical Technologist is responsible for the surgical environment, enabling the surgeon to completely focus on the procedure without distraction.

The primary responsibility of the Surgical Technologist is creating and maintaining the sterile field so that surgeries may proceed smoothly. The Surgical Technologist will be the first member of the surgical team to scrub. He / she will prepare the sterile field prior to the surgeon’s arrival, optimizing the surgeon’s time in the operation theatre. They anticipate the surgeon’s needs, prepare instruments and supplies in an efficient manner and deliver them to the surgeon in a timely fashion, so as to not disrupt the continuity of the procedure. Under the direction of the surgeon, they may function as a first assistant. Following surgery, they are responsible for applying dressings properly and preparing the patient for discharge from the theatre. They will then prepare the theatre for the next patient, while the doctors may be attending to more urgent matters.

Surgical Technologists may also function in a non-sterile role, assisting the anesthetist, obtaining additional supplies as needed and responding to the needs of the scrubbed members of the surgical team.

About the Program
There are no peer-reviewed, accredited, formal training programs for Surgical Technologists in our country. Every hospital has its own way of training people to work in the theatre. Quality and teaching of these personnel thus varies from institution to institution and is dependent considerably on the surgeons (who incidentally are not trained in surgical technology, though they are well trained in surgical techniques).

Herbertpur Christian Hospital, a unit of Emmanuel Hospital Association, has taken upon itself the challenging task of preparing personnel trained in Surgical Technology, for service in the needy areas of north and northeast India.

This training program in Herbertpur is being well supported by Cris Rhyner and Jolene Lawson, Certified Surgical Technologists and members of the Association of Surgical Technologists headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, USA.

What does the Program do?
A comprehensive Surgical Technology program prepares assistants with the knowledge and skills to provide high quality patient care and attend to the needs of the surgeon. Subjects covered include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Medical Terminology and Surgical Technology. The ST curriculum provides a thorough knowledge of the surgical environment, aseptic technique, instrumentation, procedures, sterilization, supplies and equipment, preparation of the surgical patient and care of the patient before, during and after surgery. All surgical specialties are studied; therefore the Surgical Technologist brings a broad foundation of experience to any surgical team and is an asset to any medical facility. The education requirements of the Surgical Technologist are designed to ensure a high standard of continued professional competence and quality patient care.

Requirements for applying

Applicants to a Surgical Technology program should have good English communication skills, a high degree of professionalism and integrity and be team-oriented, organized, and able to maintain calmness under highly stressful and demanding conditions.

Contact Details

For further information on the program please write to:

Medical Superintendent,
Herbertpur Christian Hospital,
Herbertpur P.O., Dehradun,
Uttarakhand 248142
India

Email: herbertpur@eha-health.org