Pictured LTR: OTD students Oviya Manivakkam Vivekanand and Aaron Hanible
Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore.—Western Oregon University integrates Anatomage technology into its Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to explore human anatomy through advanced digitized real cadavers. With the addition of two state-of-the-art Anatomage tables, Western is redefining the educational experience for aspiring healthcare professionals.
Anatomage Bodies, built upon real frozen cadaveric slices, offer ultra-high-definition, life-size representations of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology. These innovative resources feature detailed anatomical variations, including male and female anatomy, pregnancy, and geriatric anatomy, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the human body in a dynamic and interactive setting.
“Utilizing Anatomage technology aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality education,” said Sean Roush, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, director of the Occupational Therapy program. “This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares our students to excel in their future careers. They are gaining hands-on learning opportunities with the latest technology in the field, which is essential for their success.”
The use of Anatomage tables eliminates the logistical challenges and costs associated with housing and maintaining real human cadavers. Students can engage with the material in a flexible, accessible manner, ensuring they receive the same quality of education without the barriers traditionally faced in anatomy courses.
“As a new instructor in the Occupational Therapy program, I have had an amazing opportunity to utilize the Anatomage tables for our anatomy and neuroscience courses,” said Brianne Salvati, OTD, OTR/L, ECHM. “The tables offer a diverse range of tools and teaching methods to meet the needs of our students. I can also make my own presets for students to access and study on their own time and even use the tables for quizzes.”
Salvati adds that, unlike traditional cadaver labs, the Anatomage system is low maintenance, requiring no chemicals or extensive equipment management, allowing students to virtually dissect and isolate structures with ease, restoring them at the touch of a button. Salvati explains that this flexibility enables more open-lab opportunities without the need for preservation training. Students can rotate views, zoom in, and color-coordinate structures for enhanced visibility, observing actual spinal tracts and blood vessels to understand their functions. “By simply tapping on a muscle, students receive detailed information on its origin, insertion, nerve innervation, and action, along with movement simulations of agonist and antagonist muscle groups.”
Western’s emphasis on innovative technologies reflects its dedication to equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Graduates of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program will not only leave with a deep understanding of anatomy but also with the confidence to apply this knowledge in real-world settings.
The Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is located in the Center for Graduate Studies in downtown Salem, which provides a collaborative space for graduate students to study, meet with peers, and work on group projects. This dedicated facility is designed to foster community and support academic success.
For more information about the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program and the Anatomage technology at Western Oregon University, please contact Amber Deets, director of graduate studies, at deetsa@wou.edu.
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About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
