SIH Suture Workshop Builds Skills, Inspires Future Physicians

SIH recently hosted a Suture Workshop at the SIH System Office in Carbondale, bringing together a group of motivated first-year medical students from the SIU School of Medicine for a hands-on learning experience led by SIH surgeons, physicians and advanced practice providers.

The workshop is the brainchild of SIH Medical Director of Student Experiences Dr. Kelli Webb, who launched the program in recent years to give medical students early exposure to clinical techniques and mentorship opportunities.

“The suture workshop is about more than learning suturing techniques. It’s about connecting with doctors-to-be early in their training, creating an impactful program and fostering a long-term commitment to students in our community,” said Dr. Webb. “By focusing on local talent, we are working to stabilize the healthcare workforce not just for SIH, but for all the outstanding hospital systems and clinics in Southern Illinois.”

Dr. Abbas Badami, SIH trauma and general surgeon, was among the clinicians’ guiding students through hands-on practice. “This is where curiosity meets capability,” said Dr. Badami. “It’s rewarding to teach students how to handle instruments and tie their first sutures. You see their confidence grow in real time.”

For the students, the experience left a lasting impression.

“As a first-year, we don’t always get these kinds of tactile, clinical opportunities right away,” said Riley Hochstein, first-year medical student and chair of the Class of 2028. “This workshop gave us a taste of what lies ahead and reminded us why we chose this path.”

Fellow student Ally Hamon echoed that sentiment. “It was amazing to work one-on-one with practicing surgeons. The atmosphere was encouraging and welcoming. It made me excited for the future,” she said.

Dr. Webb said she’s proud of how the workshop continues to evolve and strengthen ties between SIH and future physicians.

“Our hope is that they’ll remember SIH as a place that supported them from the start,” she said. “If we can plant that seed early, we’re not only building skills—we’re building relationships that will benefit our region for years to come.”