Combining physical therapy and anatomy education in a high school anatomy outreach program in central Arkansas

Student participation in interactive outreach programs focusing on anatomy has been shown to have a positive impact on learning and healthcare career aspirations. This article describes the Anatomy Outreach Program held at the Physical Therapy Center and Gross Anatomy Lab on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas. Physical therapy (PT) students demonstrated PT skills and led hands-on activities in the gross anatomy lab using donor specimens and models. Hands-on physical therapy-based activities involved wheelchairs and cushions, assistive devices, goniometry and reflex testing, grip strength testing, and lines and tubes in the acute care setting. Before anatomy-based activities, learners were educated about the significance of donors' choice for donating their tissues and respect shown to donors. Learners participated in anatomy stations consisting of hands-on activities with anatomical specimens and models of heart and lungs, brain and spinal cord anatomy, bones and radiographs, and upper and lower extremity anatomy. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on post-tour survey data. After the program, 59% (32/54) of high school learners rate their interest in pursuing a career in healthcare as 10/10. The three biggest takeaways participants took from the program were developing an appreciation for the gross anatomy lab and anatomy education, learning and appreciating the field of PT, and affirming interests in healthcare. High school learners' favorite experiences were in the gross anatomy lab, talking with PT students about the profession, and the goniometer and grip strength activities. One hundred percent (54/54) of survey participants agreed that the program provided them with valuable information.