PHILLIPSBURG, N.J. - Students at Phillipsburg High School got hands-on experience doing a cadaver dissection, thanks to Dr. Nicholas Avallone from St. Luke’s University Health Network.
“I think it’s an invaluable experience because it gives you a window into what your future may be like,” said Dr. Avallone.
Throughout the school day, students examined the anatomy of the upper extremity from shoulder to fingers to see how nerves, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels interact. Niyah McNair is a junior at Phillipsburg, and she got to assist Dr. Avallone with the dissection. McNair said it helped solidify her choice in wanting to go into the medical field.
“I really felt a passion when I was doing that today,” said McNair, who possibly wants to be a pediatrician. She said the dissection was a great learning experience for her. “I think it helped me to realistically understand how difficult it can be,” said McNair.
Dr. Avallone said it’s important to be able to give back to kids who want to pursue a career in medicine. “Teaching really is a part of medicine,” said Dr. Avallone. “Whether you’re teaching new students in a cadaver lab like this, or you’re teaching your patients about what their problem is and how they can fix it.”
He said they are looking to bring the cadaver dissection to other nearby schools, and he is looking to come back to Phillipsburg High School in the future as well.
