A new program for Calgary junior high and high school students offered a very special look into a procedure not for the faint of heart.

Between 100 and 150 students took part in a live broadcast of a knee surgery conducted on a patient at the Rockyview General Hospital.

The event, called Direct from the Operation Room, was organized through the efforts of the Alberta Health Services and TELUS Spark.

“Direct from the Operating Room offers students an experience generally reserved for medical professionals in a surgical team,” said Dr. Jason Werle, Division Head of Joint Reconstruction with AHS Calgary Zone and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, in a release. “It provides an opportunity for them to gain exposure to some of the many career choices available in health care. It also gives them a window into the fantastic work happening every day in local operating rooms.”

The surgery was displayed on a 24 foot screen at TELUS Spark, and students were able to view the surgery from multiple high-definition cameras and ask questions of the surgical team as they operate.

Officials at TELUS Spark say that this program is one-of-a-kind in Western Canada.

It began as a pilot project back on August 14 to a group of Calgary teachers and students in the city were able to view their first surgery on September 26.

More than 450 students have participated.

Starting in January, students will be able to sign up for monthly broadcasts.

For full booking and pricing information, schools can call TELUS Spark at 403-817-6800 or visit: www.sparkscience.ca/educators.