Being a doctor or a nurse is a common career goal in many children’s minds growing up. For some, working in the operating room is for them. Madelyn Kruser, a Potosi High School graduate from the class of 2018, is currently working as a surgical technologist at Grant Regional Health in Lancaster. During her time at UW-Lacrosse, she majored in Cellular and Molecular Biology with minors in chemistry and psychology; she graduated in 2022.
It was not until after her graduation that she realized that she did not want to be in the lab, but instead in the operating room. Because of her realization, she has been attending South West Technical College in Fennimore to learn more about being a surgical technologist. A surgical technologist is someone who assists surgeons in the OR. Their job is to figure out what tools or equipment the surgeons will need next. To make the surgery more efficient, they grab the proper surgical tools for the surgeon. She is also taking prerequisite classes at University of Dubuque so she can enroll in graduate school in 2026.
When I asked about her education to get to where she is now, she responded, “During my undergraduate career I filled my time with extracurricular activities, shadowing, volunteering, and work. Afterward, I continued to build a strong application by working closely with surgeons and eventually working in the OR. I continue to volunteer and be a community presence.”
Working in surgery is not for those with weak stomachs, but Madelyn is not bothered much. She stated that she enjoys her work and is excited for more education and experiences to come in the future. Seeing the amazing work Madelyn is doing is truly wonderful. Her endeavors in the health field make a big difference to many people; it is great seeing her do her magic in the community. Madelyn’s advice to the younger generation is “Try things that interest you, even if it is slightly off your path in terms of schooling and opportunities.”