Tools for Improving Embryology Education
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. Division of Pediatric Surgery Department of Surgery University of Illinois at ChicagoMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Embryology is a Foundation CourseMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Embryology is a Foundation CourseA thorough background in embryological principles leads to better understanding of anatomy, and pathophysiology. Developmental biologists need to understand the temporal and spatial relationships of the growing and transforming embryonic tissues.
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Challenges to Embryology EducationLimited time in medical school curriculaCompetition from bigger “more important” coursesLack of qualified embryology educatorsDifficult subject matter
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Why is embryology such a difficult subject to teach?Most students never exposed to embryology Developmental biology is a dynamic process with multiple simultaneous changes Microscopic changes happening quickly in the dark Difficult terminology
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
What can be done to improve embryology learning?
Increase class room time Difficult Prepare better teaching tools Interactive 3-D models and animations to facilitate active learning Provide more qualified embryology educators Distance learningMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Embryology Teaching Tools: Wish List3-D models and animations Depict dynamic interrelationships organ systems with simultaneous growth. Stereoscopic 3-D representations Physical models Interactive capability Normal and abnormal animations Clinical correlation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
ObstaclesComputer graphic artists Labor intensive and expensive Artistic license Embryologists Lack artisitic skills and experience with computer animation Surgeons Lack time and patience
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Current DirectionsMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Preparation of models and animationsSource: Carnegie Collection:National Museum of Health and MedicineEmbryo stages 12-23 Sectioned, photographed in registry,Traced, stacked, modeled, Animations“Sculpted” between sequential stages
Segmentation and Reconstruction
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduProcess of modeling and animation
1. The segmented model is opened in 3d Studio MAXMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Process of modeling and animation
2. A new model is sculpted to smooth out the jagged artifacts from processing. In the following example, the eye is sculpted.Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Process of modeling and animation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu3. General shape is defined.
Process of modeling and animation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu4. The surface is prepare for the refined anatomy.
Process of modeling and animation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu5. The refined anatomy is sculpted.
Process of modeling and animation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu6. All anatomy is developed in accordance to the original reference material.
Process of modeling and animation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu7. Multiple stages are modeled and animated from point to point.
Process of modeling and animation
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu8. Rendering tests are generated. Animation and anatomy are further refined.
Process of modeling and animation
Development of the human faceFacial Development Through Stage 18
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Ectoderm DevelopmentForegut animations
Esophagus and Stomach DevelopmentMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Trachea and Lung Development
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduForegut animations
Liver Development Stage 17-18Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Foregut animations
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduAdditional animations
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduEmbryology Distance Learning
Team teaching of Embryology over the Internet Experienced embryology educators combining resources and time to teach embryology Available online course Realtime or delayed participation Available website for self studyMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Embryology Distance Learning
Participating educators Responsibilities: prepare 1-2 lectures on-site mentorship for students submit exam questions Benefits: help with teaching tool preparation help with strengthening courseMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Embryology Distance LearningGlobal “Market” for Embryology Distance Learningmedical schoolveterinary schooldental schoolnursing schoolcollege/high school biology courses
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
New DirectionsMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
New DirectionsImproved models and animationsMRM/confocal microscopy/optical projection tomographyComputer segmentation Computer “animation”Improved visualization toolsEnhanced interactivity improved graphics cards visualization softwareStereographic presentationmore affordable than virtual reality
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
3-D visualization using stereographic technologyMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Creation of Physical Models from 3-D data setsMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Interactive data set managementThree-dimensional MR image of a developmental-stage-14 human embryo obtained at 750 MHz.
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduHigh resolution MRM images
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu“Embryoscopic” Movies
Endowment for Human DevelopmentDr Brian Stillwellin utero video of embryo and fetal development3-D ultrasound reconstructed “movies”Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
-in utero video of embryo and fetal developmentEndowment for Human Development
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu3-D ultrasound reconstructed “movies”
Endowment for Human Development
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduHigh tech with an artistic flair
Alexander Tsiaras, CEO From Conception to Birth: A Life Unfolds Doubleday 2002Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
High tech with an artistic flairMRM of all embryo stages are available Segment tissues and structures based on gray scale in 3-D space Add color and transparency for artistic effect and educational impact
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Anatomical Travelogue : Isolated organ systemsMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Anatomical Travelogue : Isolated organ systemsMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Anatomical Travelogue: ImagesMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
On the Internet: for mouse embryologyhttp://bioimaging.caltech.edu/ http://genex.hgu.mrc.ac.uk/CDROM_online/cdromIntro.html http://genex.hgu.mrc.ac.uk/
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
On the Internet: Sites with animationshttp://www.indiana.edu/~anat550/cvanim/ http://www.med.upenn.edu/meded/public/berp/movies.html http://anatomy.med.unsw.edu.au/CBL/embryo/Movies/Movies.htm http://www.rchc.rush.edu/embryology/embryology.htm
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
On the Internethttp://simbryo.stanford.edu/Included with Langman’s textbook of embryology
On the InternetMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
http://www.med.unc.edu/embryo_images/ This site has the images with a nice teaching tool.
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.eduCD-ROM
Gold Standard MultimediaMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Future DirectionsMark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Future DirectionsDistance learning initiativemultidimensional teaching tools“From Conception to Birth Defect”How abnormal development leads to birth defectsThe Child Development Projectdepicting changes from birth to five years
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
AcknowledgementsUniversity of Illinois at Chicago Ai-Xuan Holterman, M.D., Maurice Pescitelli, PhD, Greg Blew, Casey Steffen, Phalguna Langisetty Medical College of Wisconsin David Bolender, PhD Anatomical Travelogue, Inc. Alexander Tsiaras
Mark J. Holterman, M.D.-Ph.D. rmasjet@uic.edu
Acknowledgements (continued)Endowment for Human Development Brian Stillwell M.D. Human Developmental Anatomy Center Elizabeth Lockett, Adrianne Noe, PhD George Mason University J. Mark Pullen, PhD Johns Hopkins University Chuck Paidas M.D. and Robert Morreale