Summer 2004 Course

Overview

Gross Anatomy is the cornerstone of the basic sciences. Your study of this fascinating subject will be the foundation of your physical therapy practice. You will learn the working vocabulary of medicine, the art and the science of physical therapy. Dissection will enable you to become a skilled observer and to appreciate the value of becoming an active participant in your learning process.


The Cadaver

Physical Therapy students are afforded the advantage and the privilege of learning about the human body directly from the human body. Through careful dissection and examination of human tissues and organ systems, the essential first steps are taken toward understanding the miraculously complex being that you will dedicate your professional lives to tending and treating. The cadaver is incomparably your best teacher of Gross Anatomy. Upstate Medical University has a very active Anatomical Gift Program through which cadavers are donated and entrusted to our care for use in the education of future health professionals. Their willingness to donate implies that faculty, staff and students treat, maintain and care for the cadaver properly. Strict professional decorum must be maintained at all times in the Gross Anatomy Laboratory; any display of disrespect for the cadaver is inexcusable and will not be tolerated.

It may be helpful for the entering student to recognize and acknowledge his or her normal feelings of discomfort and anxiety in the presence of death. Your faculty has also experienced similar feelings during their own education and teaching experiences. Coping with these emotions is an integral part of your professional development. We are more than willing to discuss any concerns you may have on a confidential basis.


Professional Behavior

Attendance in the College of Health Professions is a privilege and not a right. So, too, is the opportunity to dissect a human body. Upon acceptance into the College of Health Professions, the student enters the profession of Physical Therapy and has, in effect, been singularly entrusted with the future of patient care and with proper provision of services to mankind. The Health Professions embody honor and dignity. Professional behavior embodies a code of conduct based upon integrity, honor and dignity that governs a student's behavior. Explicit and implied components of the Student Code of Conduct are explained in the Student Handbook under Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Policies. Students are expected to abide by this code while matriculated in this College. Behavior that violates this Code will not be condoned. Examples of inappropriate conduct include, but are not limited to, academic dishonesty, disruptive behavior in class, insensitive approaches to classmates, faculty, staff or other health professionals. Such behavior will result in referral to the judicial process and could also result in failure of the Gross Anatomy course.