MedEd Deep Dive

In this episode, we explore how multi-material, multi-colored 3D printed anatomical models are revolutionizing anatomy education for medical students. Hosts Zaynab and Yassin dive into a research study comparing traditional plastinated specimens with these high-tech 3D models, focusing on the students' reactions and preferences. While 3D models offer enhanced anatomical accuracy, color coding, and interactivity, students still see value in traditional methods, suggesting that a hybrid approach might be the future of medical education.
We also discuss the ethical implications of 3D printing from human tissue, the potential for improving tactile realism, and the exciting possibility of using these models to enhance patient communication. Tune in to learn how 3D printing is not just transforming anatomy labs but could reshape the entire healthcare experience.

Link to the publication: https://anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ase.1703

What is MedEd Deep Dive?

MedEd DeepDive: Where Innovation Meets Education

Whether you're a student navigating the complexities of medical school, an educator striving to improve learning outcomes, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, or a policymaker shaping the future of medical education—this podcast is for you.

In Season 1 of MedEd DeepDive, we explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming how we teach and learn. From the use of AI and chatbots to combat vaccine misinformation to the game-changing potential of virtual simulations and the metaverse in medical training, our episodes dive into the latest research and real-world applications. We'll also discuss innovative tools like serious games, escape rooms, and virtual patients that make learning more immersive and effective.

Join us as we examine the technological advancements and essential human elements of healthcare education, highlighting how strategies like interprofessional education, team-based learning, and even traditional methods like moulage can create a more holistic and impactful approach.

Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve and participate in the conversation shaping the future of healthcare education.

Zaynab:

Ever imagine holding a beating heart in your hand. I You know? Yeah. Tracing the delicate network of nerves Mhmm. All without needing a medical license.

Yassin:

It's funny you should mention that because we're actually looking at, 3 d printed anatomical models.

Zaynab:

It's no longer science fiction.

Yassin:

Exactly. And it's really pushing the boundaries of medical education. Yeah. And this research study that we're diving into today

Zaynab:

Yeah.

Yassin:

Reveals some really surprising student reactions.

Zaynab:

So we're talking about med students

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

Swapping out those formaldehyde infused labs for something a little more high-tech.

Yassin:

Precisely. This study looks the use of 3 d printed anatomical models, specifically of the upper limb

Zaynab:

Okay.

Yassin:

And how they stack up against traditional learning tools Okay. Like cadavers and plastinated specimens.

Zaynab:

So we're talking more than just those plastic skeletons

Yassin:

Right.

Zaynab:

Hanging in biology classrooms.

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

Yeah. What makes these 3 d printed models so special?

Yassin:

These models are incredibly detailed, and they're often multicolored with different textures

Zaynab:

Oh, wow.

Yassin:

To mimic real tissue.

Zaynab:

Okay.

Yassin:

So students can hold a model of a hand, for example Mhmm. And actually feel the difference between a bone, a muscle, a tendon.

Zaynab:

That's amazing. That tactile element, that's something you wouldn't get from a textbook Right. Or even a computer simulation.

Yassin:

And that's exactly what struck the researchers in this study.

Zaynab:

Okay.

Yassin:

The students weren't just intrigued by the technology. They were really engaged by the ability to interact Yeah. With these models in such a hands on way.

Zaynab:

So they could actually move the muscles around. See how they connect to the bones? Trace the pathways of arteries.

Yassin:

Absolutely. Yeah. Imagine being able to rotate a shoulder joint in your hand and seeing how each muscle contributes to the range of motion.

Zaynab:

Wow.

Yassin:

That level of interactivity can be incredibly powerful for understanding complex spatial relationships.

Zaynab:

It makes you wonder if there's something about that physical interaction

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

That sense of touch Mhmm. That enhances learning.

Yassin:

It's fascinating, isn't it? Yeah. There's a growing body of research on haptic feedback and memory.

Zaynab:

Oh, really?

Yassin:

The idea that our sense of touch plays a vital role in how we process and retain information.

Zaynab:

So not just seeing Yeah. But feeling the intricacies of the human body Mhmm. That must have made quite an impression on these students. Yeah. But how did they feel about these high-tech models

Yassin:

Right.

Zaynab:

Compared to

Yassin:

Sure.

Zaynab:

Working with a real cadaver?

Yassin:

Right.

Zaynab:

Did they wanna ditch the traditional methods altogether?

Yassin:

That's where it gets interesting. The students' reactions were a bit more nuanced Oh. Than just embracing the new and rejecting the old Okay. While they were clearly impressed by the 3 d printed models. K.

Yassin:

Their feedback reveals a deeper understanding of the nuances of anatomical learning.

Zaynab:

So they saw the value in both They did. The high-tech and the traditional. Yeah. That's interesting.

Yassin:

It is. The students really appreciated the precision and visual clarity of the 3 d printed models.

Zaynab:

Okay.

Yassin:

They found the color coding really helpful, actually Yeah. In distinguishing different types of tissue, which is something that can be challenging even with a real cadaver.

Zaynab:

I can imagine. Yeah. Yeah. Having those very distinct colors for nerves, muscles, arteries, It sounds like it would make the learning process much clearer.

Yassin:

Exactly. But where their feedback takes a fascinating turn

Zaynab:

No?

Yassin:

Is in their desire to treat these models with respect.

Zaynab:

Oh, really?

Yassin:

Almost as if they were real anatomical specimens.

Zaynab:

Hold on. So they wanted to treat a 3 d print with the same reverence as a real donated human body.

Yassin:

That's pretty amazing. Yeah.

Zaynab:

That's pretty profound.

Yassin:

It really is. And it speaks to the power of these models to evoke a sense of awe and wonder about the human body.

Zaynab:

Wow.

Yassin:

Even though they knew that these were artificial creations

Zaynab:

Right.

Yassin:

The students instinctively felt a sense of responsibility and respect for what they represented.

Zaynab:

That's fascinating. It really highlights how these models are more than just tools. You know? They're Yeah. Sparking an emotional connection

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

A sense of ethical responsibility, even in a lab setting.

Yassin:

Precisely. And this reverence wasn't just about acknowledging the model itself Okay. But also the knowledge it represented and the potential impact on future patient care.

Zaynab:

So it's like they understood that even though they were working with a model

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

The lessons they were learning had real world weight. Yes. It's almost like a sculptor respecting their materials

Yassin:

Mhmm.

Zaynab:

Knowing that what they create will have a lasting impact.

Yassin:

Exactly.

Zaynab:

That's a great analogy. And speaking of impact Yes. The students had some insightful feedback for the researchers

Yassin:

He did.

Zaynab:

Highlighting areas for improvement in future iterations of these models.

Yassin:

Of course.

Zaynab:

Like, what what did they wanna see in the next generation of anatomical models? Well, one suggestion was to refine

Yassin:

the color differentiation even further. So, for example, having distinct colors for tendons and muscles Yeah. Would make the relationship easier to visualize.

Zaynab:

Okay. So get even more granular with it.

Yassin:

Exactly. Yeah. They also wanted to see the arteries depicted as hollow structures

Zaynab:

Oh, okay.

Yassin:

To better reflect their function and real life appearance.

Zaynab:

Oh, that's interesting. Yeah. To make it even more realistic.

Yassin:

Exactly.

Zaynab:

So they weren't afraid to get into the nitty gritty to really push for even more realism and detail.

Yassin:

Exactly. And this feedback is crucial. Yeah. Because if 3 d printed models are gonna revolutionize medical training

Zaynab:

Right.

Yassin:

They need to be not just good Yeah. But exceptional.

Zaynab:

Right.

Yassin:

The students also envisioned using these models beyond the anatomy lab

Zaynab:

Oh, really?

Yassin:

Particularly in communicating with patients.

Zaynab:

Interesting. Now we're talking about using a 3 d printed heart to explain a valve defect to a patient.

Yassin:

Yeah. Or showing a model of a knee before replacement surgery.

Zaynab:

You're spot on.

Yassin:

Wow.

Zaynab:

The students recognize the potential for these models to bridge the gap between complex medical concepts

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

And a patient's understanding of their own body.

Yassin:

That could be revolutionary.

Zaynab:

It really could.

Yassin:

Imagine a world where patients can truly visualize what's happening inside their own bodies Yeah. Instead of just hearing medical jargon they might not understand.

Zaynab:

It's about empowering patients, meeting them on their level with tangible representations of what might otherwise seem abstract and intimidating.

Yassin:

It's like the difference between looking at a map and actually walking a path. Right. You know? Yeah. That firsthand experience, even with a model, can make all the difference in understanding and decision making.

Zaynab:

Precisely.

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

And that brings us to the broader implications of this research. Okay.

Yassin:

We're not just talking about improving medical education

Zaynab:

Right. Right.

Yassin:

But potentially transforming the entire patient experience.

Zaynab:

So 3 d printing in the medical field, it's not just about futuristic labs and high-tech gadgets. It's about It's

Yassin:

a bit of talk.

Zaynab:

Deeper learning.

Yassin:

Deeper learning. Yeah.

Zaynab:

Better communication Absolutely. And, ultimately, better health care for everyone.

Yassin:

You've hit the nail on the head.

Zaynab:

It's inspiring to think about the possibilities. Right. And it all circles back to those students. You know? Yeah.

Zaynab:

Holding a 3 d printed model

Yassin:

Mhmm.

Zaynab:

Feeling the weight of responsibility in their hands.

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

Literally.

Yassin:

It's powerful stuff. Powerful stuff. And it underscores a very crucial point.

Zaynab:

What's that?

Yassin:

That even as technology advances

Zaynab:

Mhmm.

Yassin:

The human element remains at the heart of medicine.

Zaynab:

This deep dive has been quite revealing.

Yassin:

It has.

Zaynab:

We've explored the potential of 3 d printing to revolutionize medical education, enhance patient communication, and even reshape how we think about our own bodies.

Yassin:

Pretty amazing.

Zaynab:

But before we wrap up, there's one more thing to consider.

Yassin:

Yeah.

Zaynab:

The real question is, what will you do with this knowledge?

Yassin:

That's a good question.

Zaynab:

As you encounter advancements in 3 d printing in health care or any other field, remember the students in this study Yeah. Their insights remind us that the true power of technology lies not just in its capabilities, but in how we choose to use it.

Yassin:

Well said.

Zaynab:

So the next time you see a news story about 3 d printing, think about the potential it holds, not just for creating objects, but for shaping understanding, improving lives, and building a healthier future.

Yassin:

I love it.

Zaynab:

Until next time, keep exploring, keep questioning, and keep diving deep.