St. Luke's Partners with the Perry Initiative to Cultivate Future Leaders in Medicine and Engineering

St. Luke’s University Health Network proudly hosted dynamic Perry Initiative outreach programs at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem on October 17 and 18, designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in orthopedic surgery and engineering. The events took place in the Priscilla Payne Hurd Education Center, located on the hospital campus.

The Perry Initiative is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities in orthopedic surgery and engineering. Through its outreach programs held across the country, the initiative aims to inspire and empower students to pursue careers in medicine and STEM.

On Friday, Oct. 17, the Medical Student Outreach Program welcomed 17 students from the Temple/St. Luke’s Medical School. Participants engaged in two surgical simulations to repair bone fractures using different techniques. They also received mentorship from St. Luke’s orthopedic surgeons and residents, gaining insight into the pathway to a career in orthopedics and the steps required to succeed in the field.

The following day, 31 local high school students participated in an immersive, all-day program. Students performed surgical simulations to reconstruct knee joint ligaments using three different methods and practiced various suturing techniques. Throughout the day, they learned from prominent surgeons, engineers and leaders in orthopedics and biomedical engineering.

Orthopedic hand surgeon Dr. Kimberly Zambito spearheaded the initiative at St. Luke’s, supported by residents and members of the St. Luke’s orthopedic team.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to watch students discover their potential through hands-on experience,” said Dr. Zambito. “We’re not just teaching skills; we’re opening doors to futures they may not have imagined.

“At St. Luke’s, we believe in mentoring and empowering future professionals. These programs are a powerful way to show students what’s possible,” added Dr. Douglas Lundy, SLUHN Chairman of Orthopedics. “By combining hands-on experience with real-world mentorship, we’re helping shape the future of medicine and engineering.”

The Perry Initiative continues to be a cornerstone of St. Luke’s commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement. The success of this year’s events reflects the dedication of the SLUHN Orthopedic Department and the enthusiasm of the students who participated.

These programs were made possible through the generous support of Zimmer Biomet Foundation, Stryker Joint Replacement Division, OrthoPediatrics, and St. Luke’s University Health Network. For more information on The Perry Initiative, visit www.perryinitiative.org