tony hansberry ii – the other black experience

14-year-old develops a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies.
Tony Hansberry II is a ninth-grader. The new sewing technique he has developed helps to to reduce the risk of complications and simplifies the hysterectomy procedure for less seasoned surgeons.
This neurosurgeon in the making attends Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School, a magnet school in Jacksonville, Florida, geared toward all things medical. His project came about last summer during his internship at the University of Florida’s Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research. Tony figured that by suturing vertically instead of horizontally, using a device called endo stitch, some complications could be avoided.
“I just want to help people and be respected, knowing that I can save lives,”(…)”It’s not hard if you have a passion for it,” Hansberry said. ‘He was supervised by Dr. Brent Siebel, a urogynecologist, and Bruce Nappi, administrative director of the Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research.’ He presented his findings in April 2009 at a medical conference at the University of Florida.

Photo by JON M. FLETCHER/The Times-Union