Design and Innovation of Healthcare Systems
Scotland Study Abroad Program 2022
For the technical module project, I created a replica of the Loch Ness Monster inspired by our trip to Loch Ness. This expedition was one of my favorite experiences abroad. It was a warm and sunny morning, and we spent the day hiking, sightseeing, and getting to know one another. My 3D figure is a memento of the start of my abroad journey and all the good memories to come.
(To the left is my OnShape model design and to the right is the 3D printed model)
For my technical module project, I was inspired by our visit to Swanston Farm in Howe, Edinburgh, where we got to see highland cows up close! The highland “coos” are iconic to Scotland, and with my matching hair color and style, it seemed only fitting that I use this project to create my own little replica. In Onshape, I sketched and extruded the outline of my model, and, on top of that sketch, I added extra detail, including my cow’s fur and nose, the cross from the Scotland flag, and Edinburgh lettering on the left horn. I chose to laser cut my model because I wanted more precise cuts for the finer detail of my sketch. I also decided to laser cut out of blue acrylic, which would play off of the cross detail and serve as a nod to the Scottish flag. Attached below are my Onshape models, finished design, and photo inspirations!
For my technical module 3D printing assignment, I created a gold ring on onshape with “Loch Ness” printed inside. One of my favorite experiences in Scotland so far was visiting Loch Ness. The Hobbit is also one of my favorite books and with all of the inspiration in Scotland I have seen throughout the book and because I love rings, this is what I made. It’s simple (which is my personal jewelry style), and matches the replica of a “the one ring to rule them all”, at least color wise and shape wise. I chose Loch Ness to engrave, instead of Hobbit inspired words. I am happy that I have something that I can physically wear and be reminded of my time here, both in the makerspace and at Loch Ness.
One of the most profound discussions for me over this abroad program was our lectures with Rob Mountain at the University of Dundee. He guided us through identifying and reflecting on our healthcare values to adjust how we approach healthcare. He primarily discussed the ideas of realistic medicine and design thinking.
Realistic medicine focuses healthcare decisions around the patient and prioritizes their needs and wants when determining a care path. For countries to implement this method, it is crucial to recognize the essentiality of empathy in healthcare. Patients and doctors need a foundation of trust, fostered through clear and genuine conversations, where both parties can be informed and understand the issue and treatment path. We can learn a lot from listening to others to help us find a more suitable treatment plan and become more compassionate and considerate.
In addition, I learned that we should adopt both a designer and innovator mindset when working in healthcare. The field of healthcare is highly interdisciplinary. For example, for surgeons to complete their job, they need biomedical engineers to know how to use and ensure the machines are running correctly. Therefore, each part of the healthcare system relies on one another, emphasizing the need for collaboration and teamwork in healthcare.
From the perspective of a Health Policy and Management major (non-BME major), entering a Biomedical Engineering-focused program was an intimidating task. I was hesitant to dive straight into a new and unfamiliar field in a new and unfamiliar place. However, despite my nervousness, I was enthusiastic about making the most of the experience and learning new skills and ideas that I could utilize within my own path in the healthcare system. Once arriving in Scotland, I quickly learned how closely connected and relevant these two fields are. In addition, through my interactions with others, I learned the vitality of building meaningful relationships and how we can also learn from the experiences and perspectives of one another.
While studying in Edinburgh, we have had the privilege of utilizing the Makerspace located within the main library at the University of Edinburgh. Their space houses many different tools and technology that we have not gotten the chance to use back in North Carolina, including VR, 3D scanning, and CNC milling. As part of a project for our junior design class, BMME 398, I created an item that reminds me of my time in Scotland using the CNC milling machine. Prior to starting my personal project, I was required to attend a staff-led training in order to learn about operating the machine and utilizing the associated software and technology. Once I got the hang of it, I had to decide what to make. In the end, I chose to trace a photo of my classmates and I at the Culloden Battlefield to mill into a square, 2-color acrylic tile. After I had the design on my laptop, I uploaded it to Easel, the cloud-based software used for the CNC machine. There I put in the measurements of my material, scaled my design to fit on the plate, and picked cut settings. This meant I selected that I wanted the bit to trace along my design and how deep the different cuts in my material went. I made sure to carefully place my material in the left bottom corner of the CNC plate and tightly clamp it in place using the correct color-coded screws
Next, it was time to select the appropriate bit size, which depends on the type of material you are using and how detailed you want your design to be. In some cases it is helpful to do a rough cut of your design first with a larger bit, and then doing the detailed parts using a smaller bit. In my case, I stuck with a 1/16 in. bit, which I installed in the machine using small wrenches. Now that my material was secured and bit in place, it was time to start cutting. On my first try, my material was not secured all the way and ended up moving during the cutting process. Luckily, I was able to pause and cancel the rest of the job and reposition and clamp down a new tile. After the second job was complete, I gave the machine and my tile a wee hoover. Finally, I used a file to get out any leftover material scraps. The CNC machine was certainly a learning experience, but I really enjoyed figuring it out and using it for my project. Now I am confident I can help my classmates in using the machine as well!
Author: E. Nathaniel McBride
A man enters a gate that will lead to a new world. As he boards the cramped plane, a baby cries, and a senior man chuckles to his wife. A flight attendant reassures a mother that her son will be okay not sitting next to her. And a first-time-flyer looks out the window, hoping to get one last look at the beautiful city of San Francisco. Eventually, the man sits down, already missing home and desiring to be at his destination. The man is anxious, feeling the butterflies move throughout his body as if they, too want to escape to their home. But, he is also content, ready for foreign to become familiar.
As a non-BME (Biomedical Engineer) major, I was initially apprehensive about traveling to a foreign country and learning about a topic that was also foreign to me. However, the thought of being able to experience and explore life as well as healthcare design in a new way was mesmerizing, and I was determined to overcome my nervousness. Fortunately, my mindset changed within a few days of arriving in Scotland, not only because of my kind peers but also the hands-on experience I was amassing.
During our stay in Dundee, we traveled to the Center for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee where we toured the facility and learned about the embalming process that utilizes a thiel system. Using thiel allows for more flexibility of the cadaver and better maintains the fascial layers between structures of the body. The only downside to using theil is that the brain essentially deteriorates and becomes, for lack of better words, “mush”. To account for this issue, embalmers will remove the brain before starting the process if they intend to preserve it. At the facility, I also had the opportunity to “glove-up” and physically examine the insides of one of the cadavers. It was surreal holding the human heart among other organs and visually observing the tendons, muscles, and ligaments that lie under our skin.
While the Center for Anatomy and Human Identification is not directly related to healthcare, it allows students and even those who are just curious to gain an understanding of the human body. The center contributes to a sustainable and quality healthcare design by ensuring that individuals have access to clean and optimal cadavers. This is crucial because cadavers allow future doctors, dentists, scientists, and engineers to get hands-on experience with real human beings.
It was after we visited the center that I had a revelation. Not only was I empowered, but I also realized that I was in the right place with the right people at the right time. I no longer needed to be nervous about BME, and could instead embrace the unknown.
On Tuesday, June 28th, Sydney Schwartz and I visited the Surgeons’ Hall Museum in Edinburgh, Scotland. While we were interested in different exhibits, we both found the museum (as a whole) to be fascinating and incredibly eye-opening. The tour started in a central room that showcased tools used for surgeries dating back to the early 18th century (wow; we advanced in technology and innovation!). In the central room, many tumors and organs with abnormalities and several cadavers were on display. Two cadavers were the remains of children whose bodies were donated to science in 1702 and 1718 and were also the oldest in the museum’s collection. The cadaver from 1718 was dissected by Alexander Munro Primus, the first professor of anatomy at the Edinburgh University medical school.
One of the most interesting displays was a plaster cast of Robert Penman’s lower jaw tumor. While the tumor needed to be removed for Penman to sustain life (as he could not eat or drink due to the size of the tumor), the surgery was performed prior to the availability of effective anesthesia. Nonetheless, the surgery, performed by Dr. James Syme in 1828, was a success!
My favorite part of this museum visit was the dental surgery section. I especially enjoyed learning about early dental practices, particularly impression techniques. As one museum label explains, a dental impression is a negative imprint of teeth and mouth tissues that is used as a mound to make a positive cast. The tray on display would have been filled with soft material, like beeswax or plaster of Paris, to make the impression, as alginates or irreversible hydrocolloids had not yet been discovered as an effective/practical material.
The museum also featured modern technology and explained how it has improved healthcare. For example, biomedical engineering is an integral part of modern dentistry as virtual depictions of the jaw enable maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, and orthodontists to visualize vantage points inside their patient’s mouths for better accessibility.
The Surgeons’ Hall Museum was one of the highlights of my trip to Edinburgh. I would encourage anyone interested in medicine, healthcare, or technology (including biomedical engineering) to visit! No matter your specific curiosity, there is an exhibit in the museum sure to challenge your way of thinking concerning healthcare or the advancement of modern medicine.
Our signatures in the visitors log
My ticket and museum brochure
Early uses of natural remedies!
Interesting description about the limitations of missing teeth!
How biomedical engineering is used in Maxillofacial Surgery!
While spending time in Dundee, some of us decided to go to the McManus Art Gallery & Museum in the old section of town. The museum had many different sections (such as the history of Dundee, the natural ecosystems of Dundee, the relations between Dundee/Scotland and the world, and many more exhibits) and even had a display case about medical innovations that originated from and/or used in Dundee. Within this display case, they had five different biomedical devices such as an X-Ray tube, urethral bougies, and sutures that were used in the Dundee Royal Infirmary. Along with showing these biomedical devices, they had images and descriptions of scientists and researchers who have made novel discoveries, such as Professor Sir Alfred Cuschieri who is internationally known as a pioneer and leader in the field of laparoscopic/keyhole surgery. Attached below are some images of the display objects as well as the associated descriptions.
Testing!
