CAMS Students Visit Ochsner Pathology Lab
On May 1st, 2023, the students of SCEN Anatomy and Physiology in CAMS (Center for Anatomical and Movement Sciences) had the privilege of visiting Ochsner's Pathology Lab. The visit, organized in collaboration between Professor Dimitri Papadopoulos of Tulane University’s Biomedical Engineering Department and Dr. Courtney Jackson from Ochsner Medical Center, aimed to showcase the practical application of the students' knowledge in a hospital setting. This experience provided valuable insights into the real-world context of anatomical variations and pathologies the students explored during their cadaveric dissections in CAMS.
During the visit, students observed histological slides being prepared by technicians in real time while Dr. Jackson explained the process. The lab provided a range of organ specimens, including lung, heart, liver, ovarian, testicular, uterine, and splenic tissue. Dr. Jackson would present each organ and challenge the students to identify it. This task proved more challenging than anticipated, as several specimens exhibited tumors, altering their expected physical appearance.
The visit served as a remarkable conclusion to a year-long study of the human body. The course, consisting of two semesters of lectures and labs, required students to work collaboratively in groups and present on complex physiology and anatomical dissections throughout the year. Cadaveric dissection is a unique experience—Tulane is one of the only institutions in the country allowing undergraduates to dissect human cadavers. While difficult, it provides an unparalleled experience for BME and SCEN students to learn the inner working of our bodies. This fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and cohesion among the students, essential for overcoming the challenges presented by the course. The Ochsner visit was not a graded exercise but provided the students with an opportunity to simply enjoy learning something new and appreciate the perspective gained from their hard work over the academic year.
Tulane is one of the only institutions in the country allowing undergraduates to dissect human cadavers.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Courtney Jackson and the Ochsner team for providing this valuable experience to our students. It was an exceptional opportunity for them to witness the practical application of their knowledge and deepen their understanding of pathology in a clinical setting.
