The embalmed cadavers did not daunt the young students beyond a point. The initial trembling and inhibition gave way to remarkable eagerness and inquisitiveness as a group of students of the Government High Schools in rural areas were allowed a peep into the Government Medical College here on Wednesday during an exposure visit.
The group of 60 students between standards six and eight and drawn from Panchayat Union Middle Schools at Melaradhanallur and Gopalasamudram and the Government Higher Secondary School at Pulivalam were granted special entry into the usually secluded Anatomy Dissection Hall of the Tiruvarur Government Medical College where embalmed cadavers are used to enlighten medical students.
Naturally, the young students were quite taken aback initially but slowly the hesitation gave way to inquisitiveness and culminated in unbound enthusiasm among the group as they all vied with one another in trying to grasp the basics of anatomy.
Bringing all his vast experience to the fore, Dean of the Tiruvarur Medical College Hospital AL. Meenakshisundaram lucidly explained the important systems in the human body and it was quite a job for him teaching anatomy to such young students unlike the regular medicos. He detailed the functioning of the central nervous system, gastro intestinal track, respiratory track, blood circulation, anatomy and physiology and skeleton system to the school students.
Dr. Meenakshisundaram pointed out that it would be a very informative outing for the students as they were able to see and understand at the TMCH body parts and systems they would otherwise see only in the books.
This will remain etched in their memory and most importantly will help them in maintaining their personal health and hygiene, he noted as the reason behind the idea.
A teacher who accompanied the group, Manimaran of Melaradhanallur school, said that it was a wonderful and rich experience for the students as what they saw and learned at the TMCH would stand them in good stead throughout their career.
The outing served as an inspiration for the students to understand the service of doctors and their professional dedication, he observed.
