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NEWS & STORIES AT ST. LUKE'S

St. Luke's Inspires Future Medical Professionals at Pleasant Valley High School Cadaver Lab

calendar_today Mar 31, 2026

schedule 3 min. read

Dr
St. Luke’s orthopedic surgeon William Tenpenny, DO, demonstrates a knee cadaver dissection.
St. Luke’s University Health Network partnered with Pleasant Valley High School on Thursday, March 25 to deliver a unique, hands-on medical education experience for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine.
The Cadaver Lab event brought St. Luke’s physicians, athletic trainers and clinical partners directly into the classroom for an interactive morning of exploration and discovery.
Dr
St. Luke’s primary care sports medicine physician Decosy Hercules, DO, uses a knee model to discuss common knee tendon and ligament injuries.
Sixty-eight students participated, rotating through four specialized stations designed to highlight different aspects of clinical practice, anatomy, sports medicine and surgical technology.
“This event was an incredible success and provided a truly unique and meaningful educational experience for the students, one that they will not soon forget,” said Jorge Perez, St. Luke’s Director of Sports Medicine Relationships.
  • At the Knee Cadaver Dissection Station, orthopedic surgeon William Tenpenny, DO, and physician assistant Amanda Shiffka guided students through a detailed examination of knee anatomy, including ligaments, cartilage and structures frequently injured in sports. Students had the rare opportunity to observe and handle anatomical specimens under expert supervision.
  • During the Sports Medicine Lecture, St. Luke’s primary care sports medicine physician Decosy Hercules, DO, and athletic trainer Deryck Snyder discussed common injuries such as ACL tears, tendon strains, and sprains – conditions frequently seen in young athletes. The team also reviewed prevention strategies and rehabilitation approaches, connecting medical knowledge to students’ real-life sports experiences.
“This program gives students a level of exposure most don’t see until college or even medical school,” said Jonathan Ayre, Ed.D, Pleasant Valley School District’s Curriculum Supervisor. “We hope this experience inspires these young learners to continue exploring the incredible world of medicine.”
Pleasant Valley High School educators expressed gratitude for St. Luke’s continued commitment to nurturing student interest in health care careers, a growing need across the region and nation.
St. Luke’s remains dedicated to supporting educational outreach programs that build the next generation of health care professionals through real-world, hands-on learning.