Sunnybrook hosts students to watch a live surgery

A routine surgery recently took on a unique interactive twist at Sunnybrook’s Bayview campus. As surgical oncologist Dr. Shady Ashamalla navigated through a right hemicolectomy, he spoke directly to a group of high school students who were watching the procedure from a lecture theatre three floors above the operating room.

“Ok, we’re ready to make the first incision,” said Dr. Ashamalla as the class from West Hill Collegiate’s STEM program looked on. Throughout the hour and half procedure, he answered their questions, along with Dr. Paul Savage, a surgical oncology fellow who was in the lecture theatre as a guide. Dr. Ashamalla then joined the class in person after the surgery was done.

Hosting this group of grade 10 biology students was all about educational outreach to a younger demographic. In recent years, there have been rising rates of several different types of cancers in Canadians under the age of 50, including colorectal cancer.

“It’s really important that kids know their family medical history, the risk factors around colorectal cancer, and all about screening,” says Dr. Ashamalla. “Seeing a surgery in person makes it very real and impactful.”

Dr. Ashamalla developed Sunnybrook’s Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Clinic, the only clinic of its kind in the country. Young adults diagnosed with this disease face unique challenges, including fertility concerns, managing young children at home and navigating work and relationships during this younger stage of life. The clinic’s multidisciplinary care team, located in the Odette Cancer Centre, includes oncologists, social workers, psychologists, geneticists and a nurse navigator.

“I think Dr. Ashamalla is a hero, he’s saved a lot of lives,” says student Hamsini Sivapalan, who is interested in a future career in cancer research or psychology. “Having him walk us though the surgery was extremely helpful and I got a lot out of being here.”

Dr. Ashamalla is hopeful that this immersive and interactive experience will have a lasting impact. “Do you guys know anyone in their 40s? Probably some of your parents,” he told the class as many students raised their hands. “If you go home tonight knowing more about the importance of screening for you and those you love, mission accomplished.”