b'CONCORD HOSPITAL HEALTH SYSTEM | Best PeopleW ATC HV I DT O E O NA C ESURGICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM GRADUATE PROFILE L S P OBrooke Hartzog ECH T PHSE SEMPLOBCERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST (CST) PRAISES THIS PROGRAM YEES While working as a licensed nursing assistant in the surgical specialties unit at Concord Hospital, Brooke Hartzog became fascinated with the idea of working in the operating room. When she discovered the Surgical Technology Program, she knew it was a perfect fit.She completed the one-year training program, including rotations in general, orthopaedic, otolaryngology, plastics, urology, neurology, and cardiothoracic surgery. In August, Hartzog began work as a Certified Surgical Technologist at CHHS, where she is responsible for behind-the-scenes work, including preparing the sterile field with all necessary instruments and equipment for each procedure. She is currently working in orthopaedics. Its our job to make sure the surgeons have what they need and support our team, explains Hartzog, who studied health science at New England College. Our goal is to make sure patients are protected at all times. Its [living] the slogan of the surgical technologist, which is the patients are always first.When it comes to surgery, Hartzog loves the idea of helping to identify and fix a problem. She is interested in the mechanics of the human body and how surgical intervention can solve an ongoing issue. Hartzog has high praise for the Surgical Technology Program at CHHS, with its small cohort (capped at 10 students per year), support from mentors such as Stephanie Lucius, RN, operating room director, and the opportunity for students to be exposed to multiple specialty areas before deciding which path to take. Its comforting to have like-minded people around you, she says, becausewere all here for the same goal. Surgery is where Ive always wanted to be,so getting to do what I want has been so gratifying.40'