Students examine normal and pathologic cardiovascular anatomy using 3D models and specimens.
Discover Medicine is a monthly program that invites local high school students to spend the day with UVA School of Medicine to explore different medical fields and research. This program is run by the UVA School of Medicine’s Student National Medical Association and the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center (UVACCC).
On Wednesday, October 22, the Discover Medicine program hosted twenty-five students from Charlottesville and Monticello High Schools to learn about the cardiovascular system and ongoing biomedical research at the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center. During the clinical portion of the day, medical students Aditya Singh (MS4), Kimberley Duru (MS4), Cameron Grimes (MS2), Roy Toyston (MS2), and Joseph Holmes (MS1), led by SNMA Vice President and Discover Medicine Lead Michael Ogundeji (MS4), introduced the students to the cardiovascular system. Topics ranged from the direction of flow of the blood through the heart to the process of conducting a history and exam to determine diagnosis.
The students also learned about the basics of cancer biology and about the paths to graduate school from PhD candidates, Kendall Bromley and Samir Lalani. Bromley works in the Bielinsky-Hendrickson lab studying genomic instability and DNA damage repair. Lalani works in Hui Li’s lab, studying cancer-driving genes in glioblastoma. Their presentation covered the basics of cancer and led discussion on topics such as the Hallmarks of Cancer, DNA damage, and how researchers at UVACCC are working to combat cancer.
In the afternoon, students visited the anatomy laboratory and with the guidance of David Moyer, DC, and Robin LeGallo, MD, experienced a hands-on examination of normal and pathologic cardiovascular anatomy using 3D models and specimens. Students also learned about using ultrasound techniques to examine the heart. We are especially grateful to Drs. Robin LeGallo, David Moyer, Natalie Hillerson, Andrew Biesemier, and Chris Jenks, and Ms. Tawanna Johnson for their guidance for the anatomy and pathology sessions during the Discover Medicine program.
Discover Medicine is a year-long program designed to have an enduring impact on the local community by providing opportunity for early exposure to medicine, research, longitudinal mentorship, and community service. Discover Medicine is grateful for all of the volunteers and students that participated in this event. Please reach out to Michael Ogundeji or Lucy Pemberton, PhD, if you are a medical or BIMS student and would like to volunteer for future events. High school participants returned in November for another session of Discover Medicine to learn about the pulmonary system and associated cancers such as lung cancer.