Almost 100 Transition Year students and their guidance counsellors from schools all over Munster attended a programme which introduced students to medicine and life as medical student. The morning programme included a session in the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience's renowned FLAME laboratory, and clinical skills sessions where students learned how to measure blood pressure, take blood samples, stop bleeding, check pulses, perform CPR, and bring the most advanced Human Patient Simulator (METI-HPS) back to life.

The afternoon programme took place at Cork University Hospital and was co-ordinated by Mark Corrigan, Consultant Surgeon at CUH.

The theme of technology was evident throughout the day and culminated in the announcements of the winners of a technology and education competition which was part of this year’s Prep-for-Med day.

Presenting the prizes, Professor John Higgins, Head of the College of Medicine and Health and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UCC, explained how technology is hugely important in the College of Medicine and Health and that UCC plans to lead the way in technology in healthcare education. “Technology in medical education is a key focus of research and innovation at UCC and one in which we continually aim to excel.”

Mark Corrigan, Consultant Surgeon, who himself has developed a number of surgical training websites and e-resources, congratulated the schools and the students. “These are really wonderful ideas, innovative and practical. The next big ideas in technology will come from the generation here today. Technology provides learning opportunities we never thought possible. Students and doctors now learn practical procedures in simulated environments, ensuring that doctors are highly proficient before they perform these skills and procedures.”

The first prize was awarded to Cathal Walsh from Presentation Brothers Secondary School, Mardyke, Cork and is based on a reading software programme. Second prize-winner was Kate McEvoy, Laurel Hill Colaiste, South Circular Road, Limerick, and her abstract described a literacy improvement programme. Third prize was awarded to David Synott from Christian Brothers Secondary School, Sydney Place, Cork and involved virtual school tours and use of Skype for language skills.

Other ideas included use of haptics, apps to help dyslexia, 3D imaging, holograms, science experiments online resource, gaming-based learning, and a variety of different e-learning resources.

Dr Bridget Maher from the School of Medicine at UCC comments: “The secondary school students of today have embraced technology with enthusiasm, and have seamlessly integrated it into their lives. These are the people who will drive medical innovation and technology into the future. Today’s learners have access to ‘always-present’ context-aware knowledge resources at point of practice.”

The afternoon programme included ‘CSI Cork’, by Professor Margot Bolster, Assistant State Pathologist, and discussions on ethical issues using popular TV medical dramas (Professor Stephen Cuack and surgeon Louise Kelly). Another highlight was the Da Vinci robotic surgery at CUMH explained by Dr Matt Hewitt, Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, and video linkage to Dr Barry O’Reilly, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, while he performed a procedure using the da Vinci robot.

TV3 also featured coverage from the event. Click here to view the TV3 News report (note this content will expire in 2-4 weeks from date of this post).