Dr. Paul Hamilton, associate professor of biology at Illinois College, recently demonstrated the 3D capacity of the virtual Anatomage dissection table to display true-to-life gross and functional anatomy to trustees of the JMH Foundation.
“The addition of the virtual dissection table provides our nursing students with the ability to apply their lecture and lab knowledge of human anatomy to a full-size, virtual human cadaver,” said Hamilton. “Our students can actively participate in virtual dissection of the human body, trace all the structures back to their point of origin and see how entire systems are connected and interconnected.”
There is a tremendous regional need in all levels of nursing in west central Illinois with employment opportunities expected to grow 9.2 percent by 2026 according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The Illinois College BSN program started in 2020 and is expanding rapidly.
“This kind of technology-focused support will help grow the numbers of regional registered nurses for our service area,” said Pam Martin, executive director for JMF. “This reflects the commitment of our foundations to partner with area higher education organizations to ‘grow our own’ local talent.”
The 3D virtual dissection table, which cost $104,156, provides nursing students with the ability to apply lecture and lab knowledge to a full-size, virtual human cadaver. In addition to anatomical structures, complex details like cardiovascular and nervous systems are also depicted. The foundations split the cost.
“This is a great example of how two foundations within Memorial Health partnered together to support our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through better health,” said Melissa Hansen Schmadeke, executive director for SMF. “There is a tremendous regional need for all levels of nursing in west central Illinois. This is one way we can help attract and educate future nurses who will hopefully stay in our area upon graduation.”