School of Health Professions students to gain a new tool for learning anatomy

By Kate Hunger 

School of Health Professions students will soon have a new tool for learning anatomy available around the clock — the Anatomage Table. 

Training on the Anatomage Table was held on June 22. 

Paul Allen, Sr., DSc, MPAS, PA-C, assistant professor and chair of the physician assistant studies department, said the table will be an adjunctive tool to anatomy education and will not replace specimen dissection. 

"It allows the student to explore the anatomy, to test themselves on the anatomy and it allows faculty to use as a real-time instructor tool," Allen said. 

The table features digitized, animated sliced specimens that can be manipulated, allowing students to "peel away layers (and) use their fingers as a scalpel," he added, explaining that the table allows MRI and CT scan to be uploaded and manipulated in the same way. 

The table will be stored in the PA lab until it can be moved to the dental school after renovations for the School of Health Professions are complete. The table will be available for use around the clock by all SHP faculty and students, although students will schedule the time to use the table with faculty, who must be present. 

The PA Department will have priority during the anatomy course in the summer.