Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program graduates new class of medical professionals

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program graduated four students on Friday during a ceremony inside the Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center.

The program's graduating class included valedictorian Hannah Parris of Tahlequah; Madison Teafatiller of Siloam Springs, Ark.; Sydney Chaplin of Stilwell; and Mollee Thilges of Locust Grove.

"The Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program exemplifies our commitment to health care excellence and empowering our community," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "These four graduates represent more than just individual achievement - they are vital contributors to our health care system and living proof of our tribe's dedication to developing skilled professionals who will serve our people with compassion and expertise."

The Surgical Technology Program prepares competent entry-level surgical technologists in the cognitive-, skills-, and behavior-learning domains. A surgical technologist is an integral member of the surgical team, responsible for the preparation and handling of sterile supplies, equipment, and instruments while assisting the surgeon in their use. A surgical technologist may also assist the surgeon by performing tasks such as retracing incisions, cutting sutures, and utilizing suction to maintain a clear field of vision for the surgeon.

"Our Surgical Technology Program continues to be a powerful example of Cherokee Nation's investment in our people and our health care system," said Deputy Chief Bryan Warner. "By training and certifying skilled professionals who serve our community, we're not just creating jobs - we're building a stronger, healthier future for our Nation."

The program, accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, strives to fill surgical technologist positions in the Cherokee Nation's health care system with educated and well-trained Cherokee people.

"Graduating from a surgical technology program is no small feat, and today, we acknowledge the dedication, perseverance, and passion that each of us has poured into reaching this moment," said Parris. "This program has challenged us in ways we never expected. From early mornings prepping for clinical rotations to late nights pouring over anatomy textbooks, every step of this journey tested our limits. But it also revealed our strength, determination, and capacity for growth. We didn't just grow as professionals; we grew as individuals."

All four graduates of the Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology Program passed the Nation Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting CST Certification Exam.

"Today, we celebrate the achievements of our graduating Surgical Technology class - a group of skilled, dedicated, and compassionate individuals ready to make a difference in the operating room and our community," said Surgical Technology Program Director Rochelle Lewis. "Their commitment to excellence and patient care has built a strong foundation for their future. We are proud of their hard work and look forward to seeing them grow in their careers."

The program has graduated 37 students since the 2019-2020 academic year.

For more information on the Cherokee Nation Surgical Technology program, visit https://www.cherokee.org/all-services/career-services/surgical-technology-program/.