Teaching & Education

Chalk screeches across blackboards. Flimsy transparencies sit awkwardly on overhead projectors. Such antiquated educational tools may be headed for extinction if Dr. John Bradley has his way.

Dr. Bradley, Director of the Wightman-Berris Academy at University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, says innovative teaching technologies in the new Helliwell Centre support a “hands-on” approach to learning about beside care.

“New technologies in the centre provide students exposure to new ways of looking at patient-centered care,” said Dr. Bradley. “Through interaction and observation, students can actually watch simulations and learn from them. These experiences will help to improve their skills dealing directly with patients.”

Modeled to duplicate medical examination rooms, the Helliwell's eight clinical skills centres are equipped with all the amenities. Silver medical instruments line the wall above a black examination table. A computer-friendly work area is a comfortable station for taking medical histories.

Touch-screen monitors operate two live cameras that record students' textbook knowledge in a skills-based setting. A one-way mirror permits peers to experience, watch and listen unobtrusively from the adjoining observation room.  

“The cameras and observatory enable the instructor to provide better feedback to help students improve their bedside manner and techniques,” said Bohdan Sadovy, Manager, Audio-Visual Analyst, Medical Education Office at UHN.

Developing and enhancing innovative teaching models is one of the main strategic directions outlined in Educating for Impact, UHN's new strategy for education--and the Helliwell Centre sure fits the bill.

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