From Classroom to Operating Room: Central High Student Observes Live Surgeries

For many high school students interested in healthcare, the idea of witnessing a real surgery can feel like something far in the future. But for Hazelwood Central High School junior Lexa Rodriguez, that opportunity came sooner than expected thanks to the CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program.

Through CAPS, students gain real-world experience by partnering with local professionals and organizations. For Rodriguez, that partnership led to an unforgettable day at Christian Hospital, where she observed three surgical procedures under the guidance of Dr. Arnold Bullock, a urology surgeon.

“It was my first day in the rotation,” Rodriguez explained. “I met Dr. Bullock and his assistant, and during lunch, they told me that the next day I would be able to watch a surgery. I was like, ‘Are you serious? Is this real?”

The next morning, Rodriguez arrived at the hospital early to witness the procedures. While she admits she felt nervous at first, the experience quickly became one of the most impactful moments of her time in the program.

“I was super nervous,” she said. “It was my first time going into the hospital alone. I kept thinking, ‘What if I can’t find my way around?’ But once I got there, everything worked out.”

During the day, Rodriguez observed three surgeries, including two procedures to remove kidney stones and another procedure involving the prostate in which tissue was collected for cancer testing.

While many people might imagine an operating room as tense and chaotic, Rodriguez discovered it was quite different from what she expected.

“I expected it to be very chaotic and really quiet, so no one distracted the surgeon,” she said. “But it was actually very calm. Everyone had their own responsibilities, and the team worked together.”

At first, Rodriguez felt unsure about being so close to a surgical procedure.

“When I first entered the room, I didn’t want to look at the patient,” she said. “I felt like it was their privacy, and maybe I wasn’t supposed to see it. But the doctor encouraged me to come closer so I could understand what was happening.”

As she became more comfortable, Rodriguez gained a deeper appreciation for the teamwork involved in healthcare.

“People were charting during surgery, someone was handing the doctor instruments, and another person was monitoring the patient,” she said. “Everyone was there to help each other.”

The experience had an even bigger impact than she expected. Rodriguez had previously considered becoming a surgeon but had hesitated after learning about the years of education required.

“I originally wanted to be a surgeon, but when I saw how many years of school it takes, I thought maybe not,” she said. “But after seeing the surgery, it made me want to do it again. It was such an amazing experience.”

Dr. Bullock was also impressed with Rodriguez’s interest and enthusiasm. By the end of the day, he offered her an opportunity to continue learning beyond the CAPS program.

“He actually gave me his card and his secretary’s phone number so I can shadow him again,” Rodriguez said. “I can go during school or after school and learn more about what he does.”

Through the experience, Rodriguez also discovered a growing interest in urology, the specialty she observed during the procedures.

“I think I like urology a lot,” she said. “It wasn’t just the surgery itself—it was the team and how everything worked together.”

The CAPS program allows students like Rodriguez to gain valuable exposure to careers before graduating high school. Students spend part of their school day in the classroom and the other half working with professionals in real-world settings.

Rodriguez explained that students typically spend two periods at school and two periods at their internship location, rotating through different hospital departments every few days.

These experiences help students explore different career paths and build professional connections along the way.

Rodriguez credits both her teachers and family for supporting her throughout the process.

“I want to thank my teachers, counselors, and my parents for helping me find this program and always supporting me,” she said.

Although she describes herself as shy, Rodriguez says the experience has pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone and pursue opportunities that could shape her future.

Her interest in helping others has been a constant motivation since childhood.

“I remember when I was little, a teacher asked what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she said. “I said I wanted to be a police officer because I wanted to help people. Even though my career interests changed, that goal is still the same—I want to help people.”

With new connections, real-world experience, and a renewed interest in medicine, Rodriguez says she plans to continue exploring the field to determine the best path that fits her.

For now, one thing is certain: the CAPS program has opened the door to possibilities she once only imagined.