By: Lane Nelson
PRA Class of 2024
It is that time of year when high school seniors at Prospect Ridge Academy embark on a journey to figure out what they want to study in college through their capstone projects. Students get to choose what they want to focus on based on their interests. I am a senior at PRA, and chose a unique idea for my capstone project that blossomed into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I chose to focus my project on orthopedic surgery. My interest in orthopedic medicine began in middle school after I needed orthopedic consultations. I was fortunate to be able to work with Dr. Joseph Hsin at Cornerstone Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. When I expressed interest in becoming a surgeon, Dr. Hsin invited me to join him and the Cornerstone Foundation on a medical mission trip to Cambodia this past August.
During the trip, the team worked in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. I assisted Dr. Hsin in the operating room, sutured patients incisions, performed rounds, and fitted braces for patients after surgery.
This mission trip really opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. It allowed me to solidify my passion for medicine and gave me the opportunity to learn hands-on techniques related to orthopedic surgery.
I hope I will be able to participate in other future mission trips as I continue my studies on the path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
