School of Medicine Greenville uses technology to enhance student achievement
School recognized as Apple Distinguished School
Posted on: February 3, 2020; Updated on: February 3, 2020
By Tenell Felder, tenell@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-3697
Innovative technology in the classroom results in better patient care. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville uses this approach to produce exceptional future physicians.
A focus on integrating technology for the students has proven beneficial as the school develops physicians to impact the health of the state and beyond.
“Tomorrow’s doctors are facing a rapidly evolving industry. By integrating innovative technology into the clinical learning environment, UofSC School of Medicine Greenville prepares students to leverage the most effective technologies available in providing high- quality care for every patient encounter,” School of Medicine Greenville Dean Marjorie Jenkins says.
Angela Sharkey, senior associate dean for academic affairs, says the school’s use of technology builds communication skills, patient examination and documentation skills needed for clinical success.
This includes technology such as iPads, the 3D anatomy app, heart murmur app and portable ultrasound devices.
“We use the devices first and foremost to help students with their ability to document information about patients, secondarily for them to retrieve information about patients – like test results or images – and then we practice the physical exam skills that are reinforced with apps like the one that shows 3D anatomy,” Sharkey says.
We want to increase the number of physicians practicing in South Carolina. Our students will be ready to take care of patients because their prep is not just from book-learning. As they enter the clinical environment, they will be better prepared as residents to provide services to our community.
Angela Sharkey, senior associate dean for academic affairs, School of Medicine Greenville
Faculty also use iPads to enhance content in and out of the classroom for students, creating an immersive learning experience.
“Some faculty create what they call ‘learning modules’ that students are supposed to watch before they come to class. This way, they can use class time to ask questions about more complex issues,” Sharkey says. “The average age of our medical students is 24 1/2 years, so they have grown up with technology. We are just trying to integrate more naturally into their learning style.”
For its use of technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical thinking, School of Medicine Greenville was named an Apple Distinguished School on Jan. 28. The distinction will go until 2022.
“We are excited to be recognized as an Apple Distinguished School and believe that this distinction will shine a light on our commitment to bringing exceptionally trained medical professionals and high-quality patient care to communities throughout South Carolina and beyond. It will also showcase what an amazing and innovative learning environment we create for our learners,” Jenkins says.
The school maintains a focus on equipping students to provide the best possible care for their future patients and bolster the physician workforce in the state.
“We want to increase the number of physicians practicing in South Carolina. Our students will be ready to take care of patients because their prep is not just from book-learning. As they enter the clinical environment, they will be better prepared as residents to provide services to our community,” Sharkey says.
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