{"id":3752,"date":"2018-06-14T15:44:51","date_gmt":"2018-06-14T15:44:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sites.coloradocollege.edu\/atb\/?p=3752"},"modified":"2018-06-14T22:13:30","modified_gmt":"2018-06-14T22:13:30","slug":"human-anatomy-class-leverages-unique-resources-for-lifelong-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.coloradocollege.edu\/atb\/2018\/06\/14\/human-anatomy-class-leverages-unique-resources-for-lifelong-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"Human Anatomy Class Leverages Unique Resources for Lifelong Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Laurie Laker \u201912<\/strong><\/p>\n

The study of the human body at Colorado College is something of a unique opportunity for an undergraduate student body. CC is one of the very few colleges in the country, particularly among our liberal arts peer schools, where students can immerse themselves fully in the study of the human anatomy, applying their classroom theory with real-world practice.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re extremely careful about how we present the anatomy lab, what we say about the lab, because we want to be as respectful as possible to the donors,\u201d explains Professor Dan Miska of the Human Biology and Kinesiology Department.<\/p>\n

\u2018Donors\u2019 is the language of the department and all those who move through their classes, rooted in respect for the persons who\u2019ve donated their bodies to scientific teaching and research. The class Introduction to Human Anatomy, running this Block A, lets students gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of human anatomy, and includes the examination of skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory structures.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d estimate that 90 percent of our students go on to some form of medical program,\u201d Miska adds. \u201cAnatomy has the reputation of being all about memorization, but what we try to teach here is the true applicability of the material \u2014 to the clinical work of a future career.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor example, with certain diagnoses we bring socioeconomic issues into our discussions as well. Cases like heart attacks, for example, often hinge upon diet and exercise, which in turn frequently hinge on the socioeconomic status of the patient,\u201d adds Miska. \u201cIt\u2019s a clinical class, but with applicable knowledge and social awareness woven throughout.\u201d<\/p>\n

The class is a combination of clinical study modules and laboratory sessions, and students work in small groups to diagnose a hypothetical injury or condition using the methodology of clinicians \u2014 asking questions, noting patients\u2019 medical histories, and then offering a possible diagnosis.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m taking this partly for my major, partly because it\u2019s super interesting,\u201d says Nabeel Elabdeia \u201920<\/strong>, who majors in Organismal Biology and Ecology.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so different from the textbook type of class, a lot more messy \u2014 just like real life medical practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis kind of work \u2014 particularly with the donors \u2014 it makes me think about real doctors, how difficult it is to diagnose real people. I was a bit nervous at first, but you soon learn to dissociate from the personal and treat it as a learning experience.\u201d Elabdeia, who plans to head to dental school after CC, adds.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just checking a box,\u201d Miska details, expanding more on the longer-term goals of the class.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudents take this because it\u2019s going to follow you in life, to set you up for what you\u2019re doing for a career \u2014 these are practical life skills for impactful careers, and that we can offer the practical skills of body diagnosis at the undergrad level is incredible. It gives our students such a head start when they head to med school after CC.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nerves are commonplace among students before heading to the lab for the first time \u2014 understandably so, given the nature of the material. But it\u2019s no deterrent \u2014 the clinical experience of examining a human body and all its systems is often the chief attraction for students taking the class.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was anxious but excited for the lab before we went in,\u201d explains undeclared major Julia Moore \u201920<\/strong>, who is on the Molecular Biology track and minoring in Human Biology and Kinesiology. \u201cTo be honest, it was very much a \u2018let\u2019s get this first one over with\u2019 scenario. We get to see this, to do this, from the first day of class, and that\u2019s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a very, very respectful space, aware of the donors and their wishes, and having access to this sort of facility is quite unique for an undergraduate experience,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\u201cI actually visited the lab as a prospective student, and it\u2019s one of the reasons I came to CC \u2014 it\u2019s a special thing that undergrads don\u2019t always get to do,\u201d adds Moore\u2019s lab group partner, Rianna Reimers \u201919<\/strong>, a Molecular Biology major who\u2019ll be interning with a genetics lab in her home state of California after the class finishes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe way Dan presents the class, and especially the interactions we have with the donors, it\u2019s amazing \u2014 respect is the utmost important thing. He even said, on day one, \u2018These (meaning the donors) are the four best anatomy teachers you\u2019ll ever have\u2019 \u2014 that\u2019s really stuck with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Dan Miska\u2019s Block A Human Anatomy class discusses a case study and views a carpal tunnel surgery online to learn more about the mechanics of a hand to better diagnose treatment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Laurie Laker \u201912 The study of the human body at Colorado College is something of a unique opportunity for an undergraduate student body. CC is one of the very few colleges in the country, particularly among our liberal arts peer schools, where students can immerse themselves fully in the study of the human anatomy, … <\/p>\n

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