Logan University recently hosted its eighth annual Anatomy Centered Education & Science (A.C.E.S.) Workshop for local high school students and incoming college freshmen. Taught in small groups by physicians and professionals from various medical specialties, the week-long program allows students to learn more about physical anatomy, body systems, health, wellness and prevention, while gaining hands-on experience in dissection, radiology and more.
The ACES program was created in 2017 by Dana Underkofler-Mercer, DC (’98), MS (’10), Logan’s director of strategic partnership and professor in the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program. Dr. Mercer realized there was a need for high school students to experience and understand real-world situations in the healthcare profession.”
“This program gives students who are interested in working in the healthcare industry a chance to really learn about the various career paths they can take while also getting incredible hands-on experiences,” said Dr. Mercer. “There are no programs in the St. Louis or Chesterfield-area that provide this kind of experience.
This year’s workshop was extra special as students got to enjoy the brand-new Fuhr Science Building, which recently opened. The state-of-the-art science building includes a new anatomy lab, simulated imaging center and technique labs, which the campers used throughout the week. There were opportunities to perform dissections on kidneys, brains, eyeballs, hearts and more.
“The facilities here are awesome,” said an incoming sophomore from Lafayette High School. “I don’t think I would be able to get an experience like this at any other place.”
“Yes, especially the dissections,” added another incoming sophomore student from Fort Zumwalt West. “It’s different than the experience you get in high school because you have actual anatomy professors and healthcare professionals walking you through the steps and guiding you as you go. It really helps you learn more about how the body works.”
In addition to the dissections, students also got to learn and perform suturing and staple techniques and simulation labs.
“My favorite part was the suturing,” said a recent graduate from Marquette High School. “I really liked all the hands-on things we got to do.”
After the workshop, students received a certificate of completion that can be used on college applications.
Planning for the 2025 A.C.E.S. Workshop is already underway and next year’s workshop will take place July 14-18, 2025, on Logan’s campus. Registration will open in October 2024.
To learn more about A.C.E.S. and to register for next year’s workshop, visit https://www.logan.edu/admissions/visit/aces/