Micah Ferguson found his niche in the OR. Could you?

By Emma Avila, epackard1@iuhealth.org, writer for IU Health’s Indianapolis Suburban Region

Through various opportunities, Micah Ferguson has advanced his career in the operating room at IU Health North.

Micah Ferguson has worked at IU Health North since April of 2016.

He started as a certified surgical technician, but he has since become a certified surgical first assistant.

“First assistant is an additional qualification,” he explained. “I’m able to more directly help the surgeon head on.”

His father is a family medicine physician at IU Health Methodist Hospital, but Micah knew he wanted to be in the operating room.

“I’ve always been an anatomy nerd. I’m less of a people person and more hands-on,” he said. “This is very much utilizing that skill set.”

When he first started working at IU Health North, he worked on a lot of spinal procedures. Now, he tends to assist on more head and neck cases.

“You’re trained to do everything, but sometimes you find yourself in a niche,” he explained.

Over time, he has developed close bonds with the operating room team members and surgeons.

For those interested in his role, he recommends shadowing first.

“If it’s something you’re interested in, there are certainly opportunities,” he said. “IU Health has policies and programs in place to help certified surgical techs climb up the ladder.”

Micah’s team at IU Health North is growing. For a full list of open roles at IU Health and Riley Children’s Health, visit iuhealth.org/careers.