Senior Aiden Varghese shadowed Dr. Christopher Sciortino and Dr. Clinton Kemp over the summer at Sentara Heart Hospital for 75 hours.
His shadowing prepared him for his Math and Science Academy presentation on cardiothoracic surgery. This type of surgery focuses on treating diseases and conditions related to the heart and lungs.
“I would follow him and observe how he talked to patients both before and after surgery (patient rounds),” Aiden said. “He explained every part of the surgery in detail while operating at the same time.”
Aiden became interested in heart surgery from the 2016 thriller and Indian movie, “Traffic.” From there his sophomore year ISearch paper stemmed from this passion and evolved into his senior project.
“I learned about coronary artery disease, the basic structure and function of the heart, and I researched a little into alternatives to heart transplants such as 3D printing hearts and pig transplants,” Aiden said.
He has gained experience volunteering at the hospital with the Sentara Volunteer Program and has taken numerous relevant classes.
“Anatomy and Physiology [helped me, but also] a little from biology and chemistry,” Aiden said.
According to him, heart surgery is an acquired taste and is not for everybody.
“You must be able to handle blood, and movie blood is different from seeing blood in a surgical setting,” Aiden said. “A cauterizer tool, which uses intensive heat to seal blood vessels, thereby preventing excessive bleeding creates a smell of burning flesh.”
His product for the project was an educational presentation for high school students.
“I gave presentations to two anatomy classes teaching students about cardiothoracic surgery, the tools used in the operating room and even basic suturing techniques,” Aiden said. “Through hands-on activities, like practicing stitches on bananas, and holding equipment used in surgery, students gained a better understanding.”
Aiden is still waiting on a couple of college decisions; however, he plans to major in biology.
“I plan to study biology in college on a pre-med route, but I plan to complete research projects and do more shadowing and volunteer work at a nearby hospital to expose myself to more of what medicine has to offer,” Aiden said.
