Student Spotlights

Joshua Archer  | Kevin Zhang

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The Value of Hands-On Learning: Joshua Archer’s Journey in Medical School 

And the Impact of Gross Anatomy Labs
In recent years, the world of medical education has seen tremendous changes, particularly with the rise of virtual learning environments. While digital tools have their merits, they often lack the depth of real-world experience, especially in areas such as gross anatomy. Joshua Archer, a third-year medical student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has experienced both virtual and in-person anatomy training. His story highlights the lasting impact of hands-on learning in a gross anatomy lab and how it shaped his medical journey.

A Small-Town Beginning to a Medical Dream
Joshua Archer grew up in a small farming town near Denver, Colorado, where his first aspirations of becoming a doctor occurred at the age of eight. His inspiration came after undergoing surgery, a moment that left a lasting impression on him. “I was really nervous, but the surgeon was such a calming presence. He explained everything to me in a way that I could understand,” Archer recalled. Inspired by the kindness and care of his orthopedic surgeon, Archer told his mother that he wanted to become a doctor on their way out of the clinic - and he never wavered from that plan.

Years later, Archer moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his undergraduate degree at Belmont University, where he excelled as a student-athlete in baseball and track. Majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, Archer also explored his deep Christian faith, studying various world religions and nearly completing a minor in religious studies. It was during this time that he met his wife, who was also an athlete in track and field. The two have been married for just over a year, continuing their journey together as Joshua works toward his goal of becoming a physician.

Post-Medical School Aspirations
As a child and young athlete, Archer spent his fair share of time receiving orthopedic care, which naturally led him to consider a career in orthopedics. "Playing sports growing up, I needed a lot of orthopedic treatment," Archer said. "It was something I was familiar with, and I always thought I would pursue that specialty." However, his path began to evolve during medical school, particularly after an obstetrics and gynecology rotation. “I got to assist in delivering babies, and I absolutely loved it,” Archer shared. “I’m still leaning toward orthopedics, but I also know I would be happy working in OB. Either way, I know I want surgery to be a big part of my career.”

Gross Anatomy Lab: A Foundational Experience
For Joshua Archer, one of the most pivotal experiences in his medical training came during his first semester in the gross anatomy lab. “I think the lab portion of the course was by far the most interesting, impactful, and the thing I go back to the most throughout my education process,” Archer said. “For me, actually having the gross anatomy lab was one of the main reasons I chose UTHSC over some of my other options.”

The hands-on nature of the gross anatomy lab is helping to solidify Archer’s understanding of the human body in ways that textbooks and virtual learning never could. “Learning from a textbook or lecture slides is good and important,” he explained, “but when you actually see the anatomy, hold it, and move it, it helps to solidify the information.” Archer’s passion for anatomy grew so much that he now tutors other students in the lab, helping them gain the same invaluable experience he has had. “I feel like lab is such a great way to study anatomy and learn it. Every time I’m in lab, my knowledge gets reinforced.”

Archer highlighted one particular day in the lab when information he learned in lecture and practical application in the gross anatomy lab intersected perfectly. “We were learning about some deformities and diseases of the kidney in lecture, and one of the main topics was a condition called horseshoe kidney. When we went into the lab to study on our donor, they actually had a horseshoe kidney. It was incredible to apply what we had just learned in such a practical way.”

Virtual Learning vs. Hands-On Experience
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have pushed many medical schools throughout the country to adopt virtual tools for teaching anatomy, and while Archer acknowledges the benefits of virtual learning, he insists that it can never fully replace the in-person experience of a gross anatomy lab. "There are some benefits to a virtual environment," Archer said. “It’s great for reviewing anatomy or supplementing what you learn, but it makes such a big difference to actually see and work with real human anatomy. Handling and practicing on the donors helps to solidify knowledge in a way that virtual learning just can’t.”

Additionally, Archer views working with whole-body donors as an experience that goes beyond simply academic learning—it provides an emotional and ethical dimension to his medical education. “I view the donors you work on in the lab as the first patients that you have. You have to take care of them properly and realize that they were a donation given for your learning, and they really become your first patient,” he reflected. “That is an experience you miss out on if you are learning anatomy in a completely virtual setting.”

Gratitude for Donors and Their Families
Archer also expressed deep gratitude for the donors who made the choice to donate their bodies to science, as well as thankfulness for the families of the donors who often make sacrifices to support the decision. One thing donor families give up is the ability to have a funeral or viewing with the body of their loved one present. For some donor families, It’s a significant sacrifice to support whole-body donations. Archer explained how he would want to express his thanks to those families directly: “Your sacrifice has helped me learn in a way that is going to make me a better doctor. I’m going to be able to take better care of you someday, or your kids, or your friends. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be better. It’s a huge sacrifice that will positively impact hundreds of thousands of patients across the entire country.”

The Path Forward
As Joshua Archer moves forward in his medical education, his experiences in the gross anatomy lab continue to influence his path. Whether he chooses orthopedics, obstetrics, or ultimately falls in love with a completely different specialty, the hands-on learning he gained in the gross anatomy lab has equipped him with the knowledge, skills, and empathy that are crucial for any physician. Archer’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value that whole-body donation adds to the education of our health science professionals.

Conclusion
If you are interested in becoming a whole-body donor, please reach out to us at 901.448.5978, or email aaron@uthsc.edu. From Joshua and the Anatomical Bequest Program at UTHSC, thank you to all of our current and past donors and their families. Your impact and legacy will be forever felt through the professional care that UTHSC-trained physicians provide to the world.

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The Gift Of Knowledge: Kevin Zhang’s Journey Through Medical Education and Cancer Research

Kevin Zhang, a second-year medical student from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has been considering the possibility of becoming a physician since high school. From his undergraduate research in cell biology, to his time spent in hematology labs at Northwestern University and St. Jude, to the impact of the gross anatomy lab at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), Kevin’s path to becoming a doctor has been both thoughtful and inspiring. Here’s a look at how his research, medical aspirations, and appreciation for body donation have shaped his journey.

A Foundation in Research: From Northwestern to St. Jude
Growing up in Chapel Hill, NC, Kevin’s interest in biology sparked early, but it wasn’t until his undergraduate years at Northwestern University that he found his passion for medical research. Majoring in cell biology, Kevin thrived in the lab environment, fascinated by the microscopic complexities that drive life. His curiosity led him to opportunities beyond the classroom, and during his time in Chicago, Kevin contributed to research on cancer cell behavior in a hematology lab, studying under a physician who is blazing trails in the world of cancer treatment and understanding. Kevin’s time spent in this lab sharpened his focus on oncology.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Kevin took a significant step by following this same physician to Memphis and joining St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. During his first two years at St. Jude, Kevin played a critical role in research that explored the genetic factors contributing to Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Down Syndrome patients. The work he participated in with his research team culminated in a published paper, marking a major milestone for him and reassuring his desire to pursue a medical career. “Being able to feel like you are moving the needle, directing care somewhere, or that you are proposing a viable treatment plan and providing insight to a disease, it’s really useful for the whole field of medicine.” This research not only gave Kevin invaluable technical experience but also deepened his resolve to become a doctor.

Experience That Led to Choosing Oncology
Now a second-year medical student at UTHSC, Kevin is zeroing in on a future in oncology. The field of oncology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. His time in the hematology labs at Northwestern and St. Jude fueled his interest in the field, but it’s the human side of cancer care that resonates most with him. "In oncology, you’re not just treating a disease. You’re treating a person, and you’re there for every step of their journey," he explains.

While Kevin is still deciding between surgical oncology and medical oncology, he is leaning toward the latter. "Medical oncology allows you to build long-term relationships with your patients. You're there with them from diagnosis to treatment to hopefully recovery, and that’s something I really value," Kevin says.

Human Anatomy at UTHSC
While Kevin’s path to medicine was paved with hands-on experience and research, his time in the gross anatomy lab at UTHSC has become one of the most meaningful aspects of his medical education. Like many health science students, Kevin was both excited and apprehensive when he first entered the lab. He remembers the experience being a little bit of a shock at first. This was his first anatomy course where real human donors were the subject of study. However, he now recounts the experience as being crucial to his educational development. “Just seeing the actual muscles, organs, and anatomy and physiology within a human body was remarkable. You never appreciate it fully with the diagrams or models that they show you,” Kevin said. This hands-on experience has also influenced Kevin’s role as a tutor for first-year students. After being deeply impacted by his time in the lab, Kevin felt compelled to help others gain the same understanding.

Honoring the Gift of Body Donation
Kevin holds a deep sense of gratitude for the donors and their families who make the gross anatomy lab possible. When reflecting on the impact anatomy lab has had on him, Kevin said, “My donor helped me learn and make sure that I go into the world ready to handle situations as a doctor. My understanding would never have been as deep as it is now without my donor.”

He recognizes the sacrifices made by donor families and believes their contribution is a crucial part of medical training. For all of the health science students, there is a level of respect and responsibility that comes with working with these donors. They are not just teaching tools—they are people who have given students at UTHSC an opportunity to learn.

Looking Ahead: A Future in Oncology
As Kevin moves forward in his medical school journey, his vision for the future is clear. With a strong foundation in research and a deep appreciation for patient care, he hopes to combine these passions as an oncologist. Whether in a research lab or by his patients’ side, Kevin’s commitment to advancing cancer treatment and care is clear, and his journey is only just beginning.

Second Year Medical Student Ronald Throop Shares How the Anatomical Bequest Program at UTHSC has Impacted His Education

Ronald Throop, a second-year medical student at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has always had a deep-seated passion for the medical field. For Throop, it started when he was young. His home middle school in West Palm Beach, Florida had a premed magnet program that he became involved in. Today, as he navigates the challenges of medical school, Throop reflects on how pivotal moments—like his first anatomy lab experience—have shaped his journey. His experience has been profoundly impacted by the Anatomical Bequest Program at UTHSC, a cornerstone of medical education within the institution. The body donation program has not only enhanced Throop’s learning but also deepened his sense of gratitude not only for the individuals who choose to donate their bodies, but also the families and friends who support those donations.

Throop’s interest in medicine began early. Growing up in West Palm Beach, Florida, he attended a middle school with a premed magnet program that allowed him to learn about the medical field. "We did multiple animal dissections," Throop recalls. These dissections, along with the other material taught in the magnet program, were a foundational experience that piqued his curiosity and set him on the path toward a career in medicine. Following high school graduation, Throop continued pursuing his medical school aspirations by enrolling at the University of Florida and majoring in microbiology and cell science. After four years of undergraduate work, countless hours of volunteering at local elementary schools and animal shelters, and numerous applications to medical schools throughout the country, Throop was accepted into the College of Medicine at The University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center in Memphis.

One of the most profound aspects of Throop’s medical education has been the body donation program. This program, which provides medical students with the opportunity to study and learn from a real human body, has been instrumental in shaping his understanding of anatomy and medicine. "Until you actually get in the lab and learn human anatomy firsthand, you miss out on grasping all of the concepts that are needed to become an effective healthcare provider," Throop emphasizes.

For medical students, a large portion of their time in the first semester is spent in the human anatomy lab. Throop recalls first stepping into the anatomy lab as a different and unusual experience. This was his first experience being in a classroom setting where human donors are the subjects of study, but he remembers it being a moment of deep reflection and gratitude. "The first time you enter the anatomy lab, it’s a mix of emotions. You’re excited to learn, but there’s also a sense of humility and respect for the donors who’ve made this possible," Throop shares. He quickly realized that studying human anatomy in such a direct way is essential for truly understanding the complexities of the human body—an understanding that textbooks, scientific models, or virtual materials could never provide alone.

After completing his first semester, Throop applied to become a tutor in the anatomy lab, a role that allows him to teach both dental and medical students who are in their first semesters of school. "Being able to actually teach something, and reinforcing the material, helps the person you are teaching, but it also helps you (as the teacher) to solidify the things you know and don't know," Throop explains. This opportunity not only reinforced his own knowledge, but it also highlighted the importance of the anatomy lab in developing competent healthcare professionals.

For Throop, the significance of the body donation program extends beyond just learning anatomy. It’s a deeply personal experience that fosters a sense of gratitude toward the donors and their families. If he were given the chance to speak with the family of his donor from the anatomy lab, Throop said, “I would want to tell them thank you and hope that they understand the impact their sacrifice made on me personally, as well as on all other students studying health science.” This sense of gratitude is a common thread among medical, dental, and other health science students who understand that their education is built on the generosity of others.

The Anatomical Bequest Program at UTHSC, and similar programs at medical schools across the country, rely on the generosity of individuals who choose to donate their bodies to science. These donations are critical for the education of future healthcare providers, as they provide unparalleled learning experiences that cannot be replicated through simulations or textbooks.

Throop’s experience highlights the importance of these programs. The impact of these donations is felt not only by the students who learn from them but also by the patients who will one day benefit from the skills these students acquire. If you are considering ways to contribute to the future of healthcare, registering for a body donation program is a powerful way to make a lasting impact. Your donation can help train the next generation of doctors, surgeons, dentists and other healthcare providers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to save lives and make a positive impact on our world.

As Throop looks to the future, he envisions a career that allows him to combine his love for medicine with his passion for the outdoors. He hopes to work in a community that offers both professional fulfillment and opportunities for outdoor recreation. He is currently leaning towards specializing in anesthesia, though he also has enjoyed his coursework in orthopedics. Regardless of the path he chooses, the skills and insights gained from the anatomy lab and his teaching role will be invaluable. Following medical school, he plans to apply for a residency—a process that will add another four to five years to his education. Residency is where the broad knowledge gained in medical school is honed into the specialized skills needed for a chosen field.

No matter where his career takes him, the lessons learned in the anatomy lab—lessons made possible by the generosity of body donors—will remain a guiding force in his career as a healthcare provider. Throop’s journey through medical school is a testament to the power of education and gained experience. His story highlights the critical role that body donation programs play in shaping the future of healthcare. As Throop continues his studies and moves towards his residency, the lessons learned in the anatomy lab will be the foundation upon which his career is built—a career dedicated to serving others.