Growing Medical Educators from Medical Students by Supporting Self-directing Learning Opportunities Born Out of Cadaveric Dissection.

This study focuses on a subset of medical students who participated in an anatomy dissection program and undertook an additional self-directed learning (SDL) project investigating incidental findings of cadaveric pathology. The value of SDL activity is explored as a means of enhancing medical student education, particularly its student perceived value in preparing and developing them as future medical educators. It was assessed whether the project advanced student interest in medical education by analyzing their motivations for participation. The results of the study highlight the potential of SDL as an experiential learning opportunity for medical students and the role of anatomic pathology in connecting multiple domains of medical education.

Tidal Flow Perfusion for the Artificial Placenta: A Paradigm Shift.

The modalities of vascular access for the extracorporeal artificial placenta (AP) have undergone many iterations over the past decade. We hypothesized that single lumen cannulation (SLC) of the jugular vein using tidal flow extracorporeal life (ECLS) support is a feasible alternative to venovenous (VV) umbilical-jugular cannulation and double lumen cannulation (DLC) and can maintain fetal circulation, stable hemodynamics, and adequate gas exchange for 24 hours. After in vitro evaluation of the tidal flow system, six preterm lambs at estimated gestational age 118-124 days (term 145 days) were delivered and underwent VV-ECLS. Three were supported using DLC and three with SLC utilizing tidal flow AP support. Hemodynamics, circuit flow, and gas exchange were monitored. Target fetal parameters were as follows: mean arterial pressure 40-60 mmHg, heart rate 140-240 beats per minute (bpm), SatO2% 60-80%, PaO2 25-50 mmHg, PaCO2 30-55 mmHg, oxygen delivery >5 ml O2/dl/kg/min, and circuit flow 100 ± 25 ml/kg/min. All animals survived 24 hours and maintained fetal circulation with stable hemodynamics and adequate gas exchange. Parameters of the tidal flow group were comparable with those of DLC. Single lumen jugular cannulation using tidal flow is a promising vascular access strategy for AP support. Successful miniaturization holds great potential for clinical translation to support extremely premature infants.