Students Learn the Art of Tying Knots

Learning to tie knots was the objective of a clinic at LECOM Bradenton, but not just ordinary knots. Over 75 first year medical students gathered on the evening of May 11 to learn to tie surgical knots at a Suture Clinic taught by Phillip Pullen, D.O.

Dr. Pullen began his lecture and demonstration on a light note by demonstrating to the students the prerequisite skill for the course . . . tying the knot required of all children before entering kindergarten – a bow knot. The atmosphere then turned to deep concentration as students observed Dr. Pullen demonstrate techniques and then practiced on suture boards or with cords wrapped around text books and boxes.

Suture boards were donated to members of the LECOM Bradenton chapter of SOSA by Ethicon.

A follow-up session for this clinic is scheduled for May 26. According to Kevin Horn, President of the Bradenton Chapter of LECOM’s Student Osteopathic Surgery Association another clinic is being planned for those students who were unable to attend. “The interest was incredible and because we limited attendance to 75, we created a waiting list for the second Suture Clinic,” said Horn.

[view pictures taken at this event]