Commitment to the Community: Anatomy Day
When Nicole Sbrocca, manager, Windsor Program, met her high school science teacher, Erica Valvasori, for coffee, she didn't expect she would end up creating a volunteer experience for Schulich Medicine students that involved teaching anatomy. But, that’s what happened. And a year later, Anatomy Day launched its first successful event with more than 44 high school students enjoying a unique learning opportunity.
During their initial visit, Valvasori shared with Sbrocca that she was looking for ways to provide students with greater access to more information and materials connected to science. Together, they formulated the idea to engage medical students and use the anatomy lab to provide greater learning opportunities for the high school students.
Sbrocca reached out to Anna Farias, who teaches anatomy at the School, and without hesitation Farias was convinced she could create a new opportunity with the help of second-year medical students. “I believe we have a role to play in inspiring young students toward a future career of science,” she said. “Through Anatomy Day, we are doing that, while also demonstrating to our own medical students how they can live our School’s value of social accountability.” A call for volunteers was met with an overwhelming response and a few meetings later, the first Anatomy Day was planned for November.
Forty-four grade 12 students spent the day in the anatomy lab. The lab was organized into eight stations, each focused on a different function or physiological system. The students had the opportunity to rotate through the stations, which included presentations, demonstrations, quizzes and a few fun activities.
Farias describes the response from the high school students as phenomenal. And she credits the medical students for the success of the first Day. “Our students are engaged and they want to connect with the community and impart their knowledge. I was thrilled with the response by our students and the efficiency with which they presented the Day.”
Farias hopes that the School can continue presenting Anatomy Day and perhaps extendit to other high schools in the community. In the meantime, she remains proud of the students and their commitment to the community.
