Museum of Science and Industry

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if something goes wrong during the surgery?

We don't expect any problems, but the surgical team is prepared to disconnect the live feed if something does go wrong. In that case, the Museum educators will present a different version of Live…from the Heart, which we know you will enjoy.

Is it safe for the patient to have the surgery broadcast?

The surgical team at Advocate Christ Medical Center has determined that it is safe to broadcast the open-heart surgery. The dedicated team of professionals at Advocate would never put a patient's health at risk.

Does the patient know that his or her surgery will be broadcast?

Yes, the patient knows that his or her surgery will be broadcast. Each patient discussed Live…from the Heart with the team at Advocate before agreeing to participate in the program.

What happens if a student, chaperone or teacher gets sick while watching the surgery?

Our research has led us to expect few – if any – such incidences. If, for some reason, a student does feel sick, a chaperone will guide him or her to a nearby bathroom. We will provide the student with water and soothing mints, and if he or she cannot continue watching the program, we are prepared with alternative, related activities.

Can parents come to the Museum to watch the program with their children?

The field trip is arranged through the school, so parents will have to discuss chaperone rules and regulations with the teacher.

What is the teacher’s role during the program?

The Museum expects that teachers take an active role during Live…from the Heart. We would like teachers to assist the Museum educators with the hands-on activities, distributing materials, handling discipline issues, and the like.

What is the payment policy?

The Live ... from the Heart program is $300. A 30 percent non-refundable deposit must be received two weeks prior to the start of your program quarter as follows:

• Fall programs (September - November) - Deposit due by Sept. 5, 2012
• Winter programs (December - February) - Deposit due by Nov. 21, 2012
• Spring programs (March - June) - Deposit due by Feb. 20, 2013

If you do not submit your deposit in time, your session will be given to another group. You will receive an email reminder about the deposit policy two weeks before your deposit is due. Final full payment is due two weeks before your scheduled session. If you do not pay in full on time, your session will be given to another group and you will forfeit your deposit. 

What is the rescheduling and cancellation policy?

If you call to reschedule prior to the start of your program quarter, you will be moved to an available spot or put on the waiting list if no spots are available. If the rescheduled session is in the current program quarter, the 30 percent deposit is due immediately, with the remainder due two weeks prior to your session. Groups that reschedule also will be charged a $10 rescheduling fee.

If you call to reschedule during your program quarter, up to two weeks before your session, and we are unable to move you to an available spot, you will be placed on the waiting list and forfeit your 30 percent non-refundable deposit.

For More Information

Please contact Rachel Schmeisser at Rachel.Schmeisser(at)msichicago.org or (773) 947-6782.