By Scot Macdonald, PhD
The French author Marcel Proust wrote, "The time which we have at our disposal every day is elastic; the passions that we feel expand it." On May 1 the staff of the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute attempted to expand time for 130 seventh and eighth grade students by inspiring them with a passion for science and medicine.
During the day-long, fifth annual Brainworks program, the students had the opportunity to have their passion fired by a series of hands-on experiences. They performed simulated brain surgery using a teaching tool developed by a manufacturer of computer-assisted, surgical navigation equipment, observed laboratory technicians prepare tissue samples for testing and examined sheep's brains. Students also could feel how patients undergoing rehabilitation therapy feel when they are restricted to wheelchairs, have vision or hearing difficulties or lose the use of a hand or arm. The students also had the opportunity to meet Cedars-Sinai's only four-legged volunteers -- the hospital's canine pet therapists.
"We developed the idea of Brainworks in 1997 to help young people discover the excitement that comes from scientific research, the reward of applying research skills to solving medical problems and the satisfaction that comes from helping patients," said Keith L. Black, MD, neurosurgeon and Institute Founder and Director. "We enjoy giving the students an introduction to the various studies we have going on, and we offer quite a few hands-on activities to hold their attention and engage their minds."
Surgeons, scientists, social workers, physicians, therapists, nurses and other members of the team from the MDNSI and several Cedars-Sinai Medical Center departments shared aspects of their work with students and attempted to inspire them to pursue careers in medical research, patient care and surgery. The hosts of Brainworks hoped that for many of the students Proust was right and that the day was greatly expanded by the passions they felt at learning about careers in medical research and healthcare.
