Live from the Heart at Huntington High School

Forty students from science teacher Luigi Papasidero’s College Anatomy and Physiology course recently participated in an immersive virtual field trip through the Live From the Heart learning lab, offered by the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

“This unique program connects classrooms directly to real surgical procedures, allowing students to observe and engage with medical professionals in real time,” Mr. Papasidero said. “During this experience, students observed a live triple bypass surgery performed on a 79-year-old female patient with multiple comorbidities. The program is designed to mirror the perspective of medical students and professionals, placing participants in a simulated observation gallery above the operating room.”

Throughout the broadcast, students not only watched the procedure but also listened to expert narration from surgeons and medical staff, who explained each step, the reasoning behind clinical decisions, and the anatomy involved.

The virtual field trip followed the full progression of the surgery. It began with pre-operative preparation, including sterilization and patient readiness, and continued through the opening of the chest via sternotomy.

“Students observed the careful separation of the heart from surrounding tissues, as well as the harvesting of a vein from the patient’s leg used to create the bypass grafts,” Mr. Papasidero said. “The procedure culminated in the coronary artery bypass itself, where surgeons rerouted blood flow around blocked arteries to restore proper circulation to the heart muscle. A key feature of the Live From the Heart program is its emphasis on interactive learning.”

Students had opportunities to reflect, ask questions, and make connections between classroom content and real-world application. The experience reinforced topics such as cardiovascular anatomy, blood flow dynamics, surgical intervention techniques, and the impact of chronic conditions on heart health.

Students enrolled in this full-year course have the opportunity to earn four college credits through Farmingdale State College, as the curriculum aligns with college-level expectations. The course mirrors the rigor and depth of a traditional undergraduate Anatomy and Physiology class, providing students with advanced academic preparation and exposure to authentic medical experiences like this one.

Mr. Papasidero developed this course in partnership with Farmingdale State College to provide more opportunities for students interested in medicine to begin their journey. He teaches four sections of Anatomy and Physiology and is a New York State Master Teacher.

Mr. Papasidero completed his undergraduate degree in Biology, as well as a dual master's degree in TESOL and Literacy, at St. John's University.

“This virtual field trip exemplifies how innovative partnerships and technology can bring high-level medical experiences into the classroom, allowing students to engage deeply with course content while exploring potential careers in healthcare,” Mr. Papasidero said.