Throughout the entire month of March, sophomores enrolled in Anatomy and Physiology studied the cardiovascular system through the lens of this program.  In a series of lessons, students followed their first (fictional) patient, Bill Harvey, through the process of patient consultation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

They assessed Mr. Harvey's risk factors for heart disease, reviewed heart anatomy and circulation, interpreted a variety of diagnostic tests, recommended treatment, and then followed a real patient on-line through open-heart surgery.

Students demonstrated proficiency by compiling a patient file for Mr. Harvey as well as taking a lab practical test on the structures of the sheep heart after dissection.

In addition to reinforcing knowledge of the cardiovascular system and heart disease, "Live from the Heart" was also designed to introduce students to careers in the health sciences.  Cardiac surgeon, anesthesiologist, physician's assistant, perfusionist, scrub nurse and circulating nurse were among the careers highlighted throughout the unit.

At the end of the unit, students were awarded with a "Certificate of Completion" from the Cardiology Staff at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, IL certifying that they successfully completed the Junior Heart Doc training, and demonstrated a commitment to heart health both personally and for the greater community. 

We are very proud of our Junior Docs and their dedicated teacher, Ms. McKenney, for all of their hard work!

For additional pictures, visit our photo album.