Let’s face it, though there have been improvements throughout the years, when it comes to healthcare, our system still isn’t equitable. From a dearth of research on female-specific diseases to the dominance of male participants in clinical trials, much remains to be done to create equitable health outcomes. There are differences between male and female anatomy that can lead to differences in health and disease risk. Solving this equity issue will require increased diversity in the healthcare workforce, expanded access to insurance coverage and primary care services, and policies that specifically address disparities in health outcomes.
Leveraging advances in 3D visualization
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Part of rectifying an ineffective approach to treating diseases that predominantly impact the female population is acknowledging that female anatomy is unique and requires education, research and therapies tuned to them. For institutions educating and training future healthcare professionals or those in the business of developing pharmaceuticals, devices and therapeutics to address female-specific health concerns, going back to the basics and starting with in-depth study of female anatomy is key. With advances in technology, this type of study is more accessible than ever before, eliminating excuses for not approaching female-specific medical conditions with the same care and consideration as has been applied to male-specific health for generations.
The invention of 3D visualization software and virtual dissection tables have revolutionized how we teach and explore human anatomy. The ability to peel back the layers and navigate through the systems of the body gives students and researchers the opportunity to study how bodily systems function and interact with each other. Technology that illuminates the unique anatomy of the female body is paramount to preparing healthcare professionals of all stripes to better diagnose and treat female patients. Throughout the health sector, prioritizing technologies that help fill the gap of understanding between female and male anatomies has potential to transform female-specific healthcare and improve the outcomes.
Transforming health studies
To build an equitable healthcare system, it’s essential to provide educational resources that help students and researchers fully comprehend female anatomy. Thanks to advances in 3D dissection technology, the door to in-depth understanding of everything from the female reproductive system to functional responses has been opened. Using real cadavers, innovators are mapping human anatomy and painstakingly stitching together those maps to recreate the cadavers in a digital form that students can access and explore on-demand.
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This type of technology and anatomy is perhaps best presented in a fully interactive, hands-on manner, such as in a life-sized operatory bed form complete with a touch screen experience. A digital cadaver of this type allows for female or male human anatomy exploration and learning beyond what a traditional cadaver can offer, with no degradation of the subject over time, no restrictions on lab times, and no elements hidden to the naked eye. Additionally, the digital learning format, now an integral part of how individuals engage with content, provides a wide array of learning opportunities and accommodates a broad spectrum of learning in styles. Incorporating such technology into a curriculum or training program enables immersive and comprehensive anatomy education.
Improving health outcomes for all
By giving female anatomy equal representation in instruction, whether for future healthcare professionals, researchers or innovators, the groundwork can be laid for better outcomes. With available 3D visualization tools, it is possible to compare female and male anatomy side by side, noting structural and functional differences that could impact treatment development. Additionally, with some advanced tools, observers can even visualize anatomical changes during pregnancy, further informing approaches to treating gynecological conditions in this vulnerable stage and potentially impacting both maternal and infant mortality.
It is important for healthcare providers, innovators, policymakers and other stakeholders to be aware of the disparities that still exist in the industry and work to address them. Ensuring sound education of the female anatomy will be critical to moving forward, and technological advancements in 3D visualization tools can play an important role in making models accessible and engaging. Leveraging technology can contribute to a more equitable health system that better understands and addresses medical needs unique to the female anatomy.
Photo: Anatomage
Jack Choi is the founder and CEO of Anatomage Inc., based in California. Anatomage is a digital healthcare platform that specializes in bringing accurate medical solutions to healthcare providers and inspiring the next generation of health professionals across the globe. Choi is also as a research scientist at the Precision Machinery Design Center in Seoul University and adjunct professor at the Industrial Engineering Department of Dongkuk University. Choi earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Seoul National University and an M.S. in mechanical engineering and Ph.D., Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University
