The University of Saint Francis announces Theresa Sorgen-Burleson, MBA, CST, as the new chair of the Department of Surgical Technology. She is replacing Betsy Slagle, MS, RN, CST, FAST, who is retiring after serving as chair for 30 years.
A native of Indiana, Sorgen-Burleson has been a certified surgical technologist for 15 years. She earned an Associate of Science in Surgical Technology, Bachelor of Science in Health Services and Master of Business Administration at the University of Saint Francis. She began her career at Parkview Hospital and was the first surgical technologist hired at Dupont Hospital, where she continues to specialize in gynecologic, urologic and general surgery. She has been faculty at the University of Saint Francis since 2002 and clinical coordinator since 2013. Theresa was recently selected by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) to participate in an Item Writing Workshop for the National Examination for the Certified Surgical Technologist in Kansas City, Missouri, in September.
“I have been given a great opportunity and gift that my predecessors have invested their time and talents toward,” said Sorgen-Burleson. “My vision is to continue to grow the Surgical Technology program and promote the profession within the community. I hope to carry on the traditions of the past and create new traditions that will further enhance the strong reputation of the program and its graduates.”
Building on a long tradition of excellence, the University of Saint Francis offers northeastern Indiana’s first surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The university’s values-based curriculum leads to the Associate of Science (AS) degree. USF graduates are known throughout the region for their skills, knowledge, critical thinking ability and professionalism. The past four graduating classes of Surgical Technology students all passed the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting exams on their first attempt
