Class: Anatomy and Physiology
Grades: 11th and 12th
Teacher: Matt Micari
Every Friday in the term, Anatomy and Physiology students attend the Harvard Medical School MEDscience program—either in-person at Harvard Medical School or virtually. The MEDscience program—which Beaver has taken part in for the last 5 years—is an innovative high school Biology course that immerses students into simulated medical emergencies. Recently, the program has evolved to include a telehealth component, providing students with the real-life experiences of medical professionals.
“Telemedicine allows students to engage with the HMS Medscience from anywhere. This model is how healthcare has pivoted in the current pandemic. It adds a new layer of being able to establish a connection with a patient, ask questions, think critically and apply what they learn while on line. It’s incredible.” -Matt Micari, US Science Teacher
In a recent telehealth session, students used the Simpl Patient Monitor app—a simulation app to train healthcare professionals—to monitor the vitals of a patient virtually.
They spoke with the “patient” directly, asking them questions about the respiratory issues they were experiencing, and then writing out subjective and objective data.
Using this information, students were able to request tests and rule out different diagnostics.
In addition, the Harvard MEDscience team also came to campus in January to run an intubation lab. Students practice using tools like a laryngoscope, ventilation bag, and endotracheal tube in order to intubate a practice model.
More about this course: In this lab-based course, we will explore the integrated systems that make up the incredible human body and learn about how the structures of the body perform the functions necessary to maintain the balance of life (homeostasis). Students will continue to investigate the relationship between structure and function through dissections, projects, and discussions. We will look into the pathophysiology of diseases and disorders that compromise the functioning of our body systems and visit Harvard Medical School MedScience program once a week to apply this content to hands-on medical simulations and skill labs.