CSD Grad Students and DPT Students Team Up To Expand Learning in Anatomy Lab

Graduate students in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program teamed up with doctoral students in the Physical Therapy program to learn together in a joint, hands-on lesson about oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and central nervous system anatomy.

Students utilized cadavers in the DPT Gross Anatomy Lab to examine normal anatomical relationships and variants. First year DPT students learn the physical relationships of different systems and structures utilizing cadavers in their Gross Anatomy/Neuro Science II class. Since the structures of the anterior neck, throat and central nervous system have high relevance to  CSD students’ area of focus, it was a perfect opportunity to invite them in for collaborative learning. 

“The ‘aha moments’ among students were just priceless,” said Bari Hoffman, who teaches Voice and Upper Airway Disorders in the CSD graduate program. “It is an invaluable experience to see and feel the actual structures your learning about in class and work clinically with. Actually seeing the structures helps to understand function on a greater level.”

The event was well received by all involved, and plans are in the works for similar events.