(HARLINGEN, Texas) – After completing the Surgical Technology program at Texas State Technical College in 2002, Yolanda Ramirez worked as a surgical technologist for seven years. Then, in 2009, she decided to bring her knowledge and refined skills back to TSTC to help educate future generations of surgical technologists.
She discussed her time working in the field, as well as how her experience is now helping students in the classroom.
“I decided to become an instructor because I enjoy teaching,” she said. “I wanted to share my passion for surgical technology with others.”
Ramirez’s skills in the classroom are beneficial for her students, but her work experience is something that allows students to receive genuine insight from someone who has already had a career outside the program.
“I was able to get experience in various specialties,” she said. “I started my career in obstetrics and gynecology, and then transitioned to the main operating room, where I specialized in neuro and cardiothoracic surgery. I believe my operating room experience has helped shape me into a better instructor. I am not only able to teach students about surgical procedures they can find in their books, but I can also share my personal experiences with them.”
Ramirez said that getting to utilize both of her passions, surgical technology and teaching, has made her career that much more meaningful.
“I enjoy being able to get the best of both worlds,” she said. “I still get to go into the operating room and watch my students be part of surgical procedures. Watching my students grow while they are in the program, seeing them learn and absorb all the new skills and techniques, and watching them set up and perform a surgical case with minimal assistance, are all steps I get to see. It is so rewarding to watch them grow throughout the program and become successful surgical technologists in the operating room.”
The joy she receives from her career is evident.
“I love that we are a vital part of the operating room team,” she said. “We are able to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful surgery.”
To learn more about TSTC’s Surgical Technology program, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/SurgicalTechnology.
