The International Human Cadaver Prosection Program (IHCPP), a unique medical program of Indiana University School of Medicine – Northwest (IUSM-NW), located on the Indiana University Northwest campus in Gary, Ind., will take place July 29 – 31, 2014.
This hands-on, innovative medical program is the only one in the country that allows non-physician and non-medical student participants the opportunity to become active volunteers in the IUSM-NW gross anatomy laboratory.
Fifty-one individuals have been selected to participate in the 2014 program, plus 12 student radiographers and ultrasonographers, and 17 instructional faculty.
They will gain detailed knowledge of human anatomy, medical imaging, and wound suturing, as well as a greater understanding of tissue histology, embryology, prosthetics, orthotics, and orthopedics medical specialties.
The participants will prepare the body donors for the Fall 2014 gross anatomy class by removing the donors’ skin and body fat to expose organs, muscles and other anatomical structures.
This is the 15th year for the program, which is under the direction of Ernest Talarico, Ph.D., IUSM-NW associate director of medical education and associate professor of human gross anatomy and embryology. Participants will come from around the United States, as well as from Argentina, Canada, Hungary, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
High School Participant
At the age of 16, Johntrell Bowles, a junior at 21st Century Charter School in Gary, Ind., will find himself working alongside students and professionals who are, in some cases, decades older than him.
After his mother was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Bowles decided his life’s passion was in healthcare, thinking, “I cannot change my mother’s illness, but I can help others.”
In foster care now for the last six years, Bowles is steadfast in his goal, actively pursuing opportunities and experiences that will position him for his future.
“This opportunity is truly unique,” he said. “It allows an African-American male in Northwest Indiana to experience something the 99 percent of young people will never encounter. This will be a life-changing experience for me…This program is the start of a new journey for me.”
First Patient
The IHCPP program is anchored in teaching gratitude, respect and professionalism. In addition to learning basic anatomy, participants will celebrate human dignity.
In accordance with the “Talarico Protocol for Human Gross Anatomy,” (Clinical Anatomy Journal) donors in the laboratory are treated with the same dignity and consideration that living patients would expect to receive from their physician.
Participants are reminded that the donors have essentially become “first patients” for them and for the fall medical students who will follow. This means that donors should be referred to by their names.
Additionally, as part of the “Talarico Protocol,” summer participants are given the opportunity to correspond with families of the donors. It is an experience, Talarico says, that can have a fundamental impact on participants’ future interaction with patients.
2014 International Human Cadaver Prosection Program Team:
Northwest Indiana participants include:
Danielle A. Bly, IUSM-Northwest Gross Anatomy Laboratory Assistant, of Crown Point
Johntrell J. Bowles, 21st Century Charter School student, of Gary
Kenneth A. Bridgmon, Ivy Tech Community College-Valparaiso biology student, of Porter
Victoria S. Connelly, Saint Mary’s College biology and music student, of Crown Point
Miranda R. Cornejo, IU Northwest biology/pre-dental student, of Cedar Lake
Natalie M. Dec, IU Northwest biology alumna, of Schererville
Emily E. Eaton, IU Northwest psychology student, of Dyer
Justin S. Golday, Purdue University North Central biology/pre-medicine, of Chesterton
Madeleine F. Hiemstra, Purdue University West Lafayette public health student, of Saint John
Theodore M. Hiemstra, Loyola University nursing student, of Saint John
Brandon C. Karcher, IU Northwest biology/pre-medicine and Spanish student, of Valparaiso
Nathaniel G. Kennedy, Purdue University North Central biology/pre-medicine student, of La Porte
Aliya S. Khan, IU Northwest psychology/pre-medicine student, of Crown Point
Kathleen Kleefisch, D.N.P., Purdue University Calumet Assistant Professor of Nursing, of Lowell
Peter D. Lakich, Ivy Tech Community College-Gary Assistant Professor of Life Sciences, of Crown Point
Tyler J. Louviere, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis biology student, of Griffith
Candyce L. Mehler, IU Northwest Spanish alumna, of Whiting
Keith M. Mills, IU Northwest nursing student, of Gary
Jessica M. Monjaras, Purdue University-West Lafayette genetics/pre-medicine student, of Munster
Stephen A. Perry, Purdue University North Central biology/pre-medicine student, of Valparaiso
Brooks N. Platt, IU-Bloomington chemistry/pre-medicine student, of Munster
Stefanie R. Rigg, Purdue University North Central biology/pre-medicine student, of Valparaiso
Barbara Schmal, R.N.
Christopher H. Sicinski, IU Northwest biology/pre-dentistry student, of Munster
Ashley L. Starcevich, Purdue University North Central biology/pre-medicine student, of Lowell
Cody C. Stewart, 2LT National Guard Medical Services Corps., Purdue University Calumet biology/pre-medicine student, of Merrillville
Mark R. Stringer, Purdue University North Central nursing alumnus, Valparaiso
Rebecca A. Tiemens, Purdue University Calumet biology/pre-medicine student, of Lowell
Sara N. Torabi, IUSM-NW medical student, of Munster
Rebecca L. Van Sessen, IU Northwest Adjunct Anthropology Instructor, of Crown Point
Tyler J. Wencl, Purdue University North Central biology/pre-medicine student, of Westville
Brittany N. Winn, Ball State University physiology student, of Kouts