Healthcare professionals from 12 counties attend free dissection lab at SFU

Healthcare professionals from 12 counties attended a free interactive dissection lab experience at SFU  in July. 

Loretto, PA__ Healthcare professionals from 12 counties attended “An Interprofessional Interactive Gross Dissection Laboratory Experience: From the Forearm to the Digits,” a free professional development seminar held at Saint Francis University on July 18 and 19.  

Dr. Christopher Lincoski, a board-certified and fellowship-trained hand surgeon at University Orthopedics Center conducted the dissection of a cadaver forearm and guided the group discussion.

The format allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of upper extremity neuromusculoskeletal and vascular systems to inform their own patient-centered rehabilitation and care practice. Dr. Lincoski demonstrated the spatial relationship of anatomical structures in the forearm, wrist, and hand while showing respect and appreciation for the human cadaver undergoing dissection for the enrichment of advancing biomedical research and education. 

The seminar, sponsored by SFU’s Occupational Therapy Department and organized by Dr. Andrew F. Miller, a clinical assistant professor at SFU, was held in the university’s new Health Sciences and Education Experiential Learning Commons. This simulation facility uses an inter-professional approach bringing participants from a variety of fields together for collaborative learning. Regional EMS and other health care professionals can take advantage of the simulation center for continuing education and enhancing integrative learning that will support and guide clinical practice. 

The first day centered on training for 15 select students including OT majors, along with a pre-med/biology and a psychology student. The second day focused on healthcare professionals who serve clients with upper extremity orthopedic injuries, conditions, dysfunctions, impairments, and disabilities. 

Healthcare professionals attending included occupational and physical therapists from Blair, Cambria, Clearfield, Elk, Somerset, Centre, Huntingdon, Bedford, Indiana, Jefferson, Lycoming, and Mifflin counties. Six SFU OT faculty members, a certified athletic trainer, a physician assistant, and a hand surgeon were also in attendance. 

Employers represented included University Orthopedic Center, UPMC Centers for Rehab Services, Procare PT, Drayer Physical Therapy Institute, Phoenix Physical Therapy, Encompass Health, Vantage Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, and Penn Highlands Healthcare.  

The cost of the seminar was covered through the university's Excellence in Education program, a competitive internal grant fund to encourage innovation in the classroom and beyond.