Sacred Heart Offers Anatomy Program for High School Students

Twenty-two high school students from Connecticut and New York worked closely with Sacred Heart University professors to gain skills and knowledge about the health care field in SHU’s inaugural summer anatomy enrichment program in July.

The program, which took place in the University’s Center for Healthcare Education, aimed to give students firsthand experience and expose them to state-of-the-art technology.

“Students learned clinical skills, CPR and how to read EKGs; participated in dissections and even had the opportunity to experience a mock medical emergency,” said Marilyn Moss, a biology lecturer at SHU and member of the program’s planning team. “After a successful week, we are already talking about how to make next year even more successful.”

Biology clubs, science coordinators and organizations throughout Connecticut were contacted to gauge interest in the program, which focused mostly on cardiovascular disease. Students were required to have baseline knowledge of biology so they could understand the subjects being discussed.

“The goal of the program was to give hands-on experience to high school students. Most students won’t get these opportunities until they are in college and have already decided a major,” said Moss.

An unexpected, positive development came about through Ceasar Irby, a podiatric surgery specialist in the Fairfield area, who sponsored a student from Kolbe-Cathedral High School in Bridgeport to participate in the program. Irby heard about the program from his sister, Tangular Irby, who is an adjunct professor in SHU’s education department. He said he hopes to continue to sponsor and support students as the program continues.

The summer program committee is already planning for the summer of 2020. For more information, contact Professor Marilyn Moss at mossm@sacredheart.edu.