In the dynamic world of healthcare, collaboration and knowledge exchange are the keys to advancing patient care. Doctors Helen Ingoe and Max Lavail have taken a unique approach to this by sharing their expertise with engineering students at the Queensland University of Technology.
As passionate advocates of interdisciplinary learning, Doctors Ingoe and Lavaill have recognised the importance of breaking down the barriers between medical and engineering disciplines. They embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between these two worlds, offering undergraduate teaching sessions to engineers at Queensland University of Technology.
The curriculum was designed to familiarise engineering students with the intricate and highly specialised field of shoulder surgery. Helping students delve into shoulder anatomy, biomechanics, and pathology, all while emphasising the critical connection to engineering principles. This innovative approach aimed to cultivate a deeper understanding of the clinical perspectives that engineers often encounter in the medical field.
One of the focal points of their teaching was shoulder anatomy, a subject that, although fundamental to shoulder surgery, can be intricate and multifaceted. They provided students with a comprehensive overview of the shoulder's intricate structure. They highlighted the role each component plays in shoulder function and the engineering concepts that underpin this remarkable joint's mechanics.
Biomechanics, a crucial facet of shoulder surgery, was another area of focus in their curriculum. The doctors underscored the principles of biomechanics and how they apply to the shoulder. Engineering students gained insights into how forces, materials, and structures interact within the shoulder joint, forming the foundation for surgical decisions and techniques.
The doctors also delved into shoulder pathology, a crucial aspect of diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions. Students were introduced to the various clinical scenarios, from common shoulder injuries to complex pathologies. This exposure allowed engineering students to appreciate the importance of their future contributions in designing implants, equipment, and devices for the medical field.
A Well-Received Initiative.