Gov. Livingston Students to Watch Real-Time Kidney Transplant

The thought of it may make want to make some observers faint, but Governor Livingston High School (GLHS) students will have the fascinating chance to watch kidney surgery as it actually happens.

Up to 100 GLHS students will be chosen to witness the surgery through a live video conference at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The education program, "Live From Surgery," is being co-sponsored by the Berkeley Heights Education Foundation (BHEF) and the Summit Medical Group (SMG), according to a press release put out by BHEF.

“We're excited to bring this innovative program to science students at GL and we want to recognize the support of Summit Medical Group as one of our Partners in Education,” said BHEF President Pam Yoss. "Thanks to the generous support of SMG, students will learn about the education paths and responsibilities of the medical staff and have the unique opportunity to interact with these professionals during an actual surgery.”

Throughout the 2-1/2 hour surgery, students will participate in guided discussions with a Liberty Science Center facilitator, manipulate sample medical equipment that is actually used during the procedure, and have the opportunity to ask questions of the medical staff performing the operation. 

The high school's science department will be choosing the students who will attend, as well as coordinating the science curriculum subject matter to complement the experience, the press release said.

"The GLHS teaching professionals in the science department will integrate this program into the science curriculum to increase student awareness about the role of science in a wide range of professions," said GLHS spokesperson Susan Rembetsy, who serves as supervisor of Art K-12, Computers K-8 and Science 6-12 for the Berkeley Heights Schools.