KOC Partnerships Offer Glimpse into Orthopaedic Surgery to Inspire Next Generation of Surgical Technologists

Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic (KOC) has established partnerships with two local colleges to offer interactive instruction in orthopaedic surgery and demonstrate an exciting profession that continues to grow in-demand.

Nichole Franco, KOC’s orthopaedic operating room manager at UT Medical Center, said her clinical team sought collaborations with South College and Roane State Community College to introduce surgical technology students to the dynamic field of orthopaedics.

“We went into classrooms with sawbones, drills and other surgical gear to provide students hands-on experience repairing simulated bones with tools, screws and cement,” Franco said. “Some people can be intimidated, so it was incredibly rewarding to see the students’ smiles and excitement practicing skills and learning from clinical staff experts and surgeon presenters.”

KOC surgeon Dr. Anna Wallace is fellowship trained in both orthopaedic trauma and orthopaedic oncology. The renowned surgeon demonstrated how to drill screws into bone and answered student questions about her clinical journey, something Dr. Wallace said she particularly enjoyed.

“This was a refreshing and fun event,” Dr. Wallace said. “It feels good to show people the really cool things we do that bring so much change to a patient’s outcome and experience, all while enjoying the people working alongside you.”

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) has noted a growing shortage of certified surgical technologists (CSTs), a situation KOC seeks to address through collaborations with accredited programs.

“The surgical technology program at South College prepares graduates to work in a variety of operating room environments. Certification requires that students participate in 120 procedures including four different specialties, so we welcome any opportunity to offer interactive training with appropriate specialty instrumentation,“ said Chris Blevins, senior department chair of Surgical Technology Programs at South College and a member of the national board of directors for the AST. “It was incredibly gratifying to see one of my past CST graduates on the KOC team presenting to current students, and it made me really proud to see the confident professional she is today.”

Emily Carter graduated from the South College Surgical Technology program in April 2025 and already had a job lined up with KOC at UT Medical Center, where she completed clinical training.

“Ortho can be scary in school,” Carter said. “Getting to talk with KOC’s orthopaedic surgeons and CSTs will really help students get a better grasp of the field and how we help people.”

The KOC team visited both South College and Roane State in December and plans to continue the hands-on skills labs with each Surgical Technology cohort. Experienced Level I Orthopaedic Trauma operating room staff Mary Long, Jessica Smet and Sara Miller organized the educational presentation and shared years of front-line stories and direct experience, hoping to inspire the next generation in their field.

“The experience was incredibly meaningful for our students,” said Jessica Davidson, surgical technology instructor at Roane State Community College. “Being able to learn directly from KOC’s CST team and gain firsthand exposure to orthopedic surgery made a significant impact on their confidence and understanding of the specialty.”

Celeste Bunch works with Franco’s team as an operating room attendant while also attending classes at Roane State to become a CST. She shared with her classmates what it’s like to be part of a surgical team.

“Working in the OR is exciting,” Bunch said. “I am passionate about orthopaedic surgery, so I enjoyed engaging with the instruments and demonstrating how to don the protective suit used in total joint replacements.”

KOC has a tradition of embracing collaborations that develop surgical talent to offer the best patient-centered care. The practice has a long-standing partnership with UT Medical Center to staff and co-manage the Orthopaedic Institute’s six operating rooms. The institute’s vice president, retired orthopaedic surgeon Dr. George Baddour, joined the surgical team on one of their training days.

“The students at South College were interested and engaged with us,” Dr. Baddour said. “It’s rewarding to be able to share our passion for this work with those who are following in our footsteps.”

KOC regularly recruits operating room professionals, for both UT Medical Center and orthopaedic-only facilities like Knoxville Orthopaedic Surgery Center (KOSC) and University Orthopaedic Surgery Center (UOSC). Along with surgical technologist roles, there are opportunities for students, recent graduates and experienced professionals. These positions vary from those that offer on-the-job training to careers like radiologist technologist, registered nurse, surgical first assistant and sterile processing technician.

KOC has been a leader in orthopaedic care for more than 80 years. The practice includes more than 50 physicians in 13 orthopaedic subspecialties working across six counties to help patients lead healthier, more active lives. The network recently earned a 2025 “Top Workplace” ranking from Knoxville News Sentinel based on employee surveys measuring company culture.

Learn more about KOC’s culture and explore open positions at KOCortho.com/careers.