Medical journal partners with South College to teach surgical skills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2026
The Journal of Medical Insight (JOMI) has selected South College as a partner to demonstrate surgical skills through instructional videos and articles.
The South College Surgical Technology program is one of only four higher education programs nationwide to be selected in 2025 by the prestigious medical journal to help teach operating room setup, tips and techniques to surgical technologists and other students and professionals working in the operating room.
JOMI officials indicated they selected South College due to its well-earned reputation for high-quality instruction and modern facility.
“It’s important to use experienced educators who are able to not only narrate what they’re doing, but also break down and explain each step,” said Christopher Boisvert, managing editor of JOMI. “In the operating room, you have to be prepared for different potential scenarios, so it’s crucial to explain why some tools and techniques are utilized over others.”
JOMI published video instruction for six procedures demonstrated at South College Knoxville, including a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, total thyroidectomy, exploratory laparotomy with possible splenectomy, cesarean section, tibial open reduction and internal fixation and an open incisional hernia repair.
“It’s an honor to be chosen among just a handful of programs, and we’re really proud to showcase how we teach surgical setup and skills,” said Chris Blevins, senior department chair of surgical technology for South College.
This is the first time the medical journal has partnered with South College for the instructional materials. The videos are incorporated throughout surgical training curriculum nationwide.
In the articles and videos published to JOMI’s online medical library, South College faculty described how to set up the operating room and anticipate potential complications:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
In a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, surgeons use three-four small incisions and a camera to disconnect and remove the gallbladder. South College faculty member Madison Campbell said providers use carbon dioxide to make space and add visibility around organs.
Learn how to prepare the operating room for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Open total thyroidectomy
An open total thyroidectomy is a surgery to remove the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland through a small incision in the front of the neck. South College faculty member Melissa Yearwood said it’s important to monitor nerve signals to avoid any nerve damage in the neck.
Learn how to prepare the operating room for an open total thyroidectomy.
Exploratory laparotomy with possible splenectomy
An exploratory laparotomy is an abdominal surgery performed to evaluate a spleen for removal due to rupture or disease. Blevins said this is usually a lifesaving procedure after a trauma in which controlling bleeding and maintaining visibility is key.
Learn how to prepare the operating room for an exploratory laparotomy with possible splenectomy.
Open incisional hernia repair with mesh
A hernia occurs when an organ, intestine or fatty tissue squeezes through a hole or weak spot in surrounding muscle or connective tissue. In an open incisional hernia repair with mesh, a surgeon makes an incision near the hernia and repairs the hole using surgical mesh to strengthen the repair and prevent recurrence. Shannon Morris, clinical coordinator for the South College Surgical Technology program, outlined the particulars of the procedure.
Learn how to prepare the operating room for an open incisional hernia repair with mesh.
C-section
A Cesarean, or C-section, is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide to deliver a baby through incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It is performed to ensure the safety of the parent or baby due to complicating factors like breech position or prolonged labor. Morris explained unlike most procedures, the patient is awake, so it is essential to remain calm and collected no matter what is encountered and always remember that babies are slippery.
Tibia Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is an important procedure for tibial fractures, which are among the most common long-bone injuries. A surgeon will insert fasteners into the bone to hold the pieces together to ensure the tibia heals correctly. South College faculty member Madison Campbell noted it’s important to measure and double-check every screw, which are handed to the surgeon on a screwdriver.
South College offers Surgical Technology programs at nine campuses across the country, including Asheville, Atlanta, Dallas, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Marietta, Nashville, Orlando and Pittsburgh.
Across its national footprint, South College offers an array of academic programs in business, education, healthcare and other fields. The institution was founded in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1882 and now includes 10 physical campuses, online learning and competency-based education (CBE).
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, education, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
About JOMI
The Journal of Medical Insight (JOMI) publishes peer-reviewed surgical videos with incision to closure instruction, key animations and expert insight. The video-based surgical education is designed to create a window into the practice of expert surgeons creating on-demand virtual shadowing experiences to improve patient outcomes and surgical education. The instructional materials are used by many medical students and professionals including attending physicians, residents and surgical technologists. For more information, visit jomi.com.