About the Human Systems Explorer

The Human Systems Explorer is a groundbreaking teaching tool designed to clarify difficult concepts in pathophysiology. It comprises a unique set of interactive diagrams, or modules, which are made available through Harvard Medical School's web portal. At a time when medical schools worldwide are grappling with a move to "paperless" curricula, the Human Systems Explorer tool is ahead of the pack and has already had a significant impact on the education of Harvard's next generation of doctors.

Dr. Michael Parker, a professor at Harvard Medical School with a background in engineering and computer programming, has guided the project's creation and implementation and watched it grow from an exciting new idea in education technology to a popular and effective tool at the Medical School. Though other schools have followed his lead to create animated diagrams for students, none have matched Human Systems Explorer's singular use of interactive models and real-time simulations.

This program explores the project's genesis and places it within the larger context of technology in the classroom. We talk to a number of the professors at Harvard who helped design the modules, including Dr. Richard Schwartzstein, Dr. David Roberts, and Dr. Barbara Cockrill. Also interviewed is Harvard Medical School Chief Information Officer, Dr. John Halamka, an internationally recognized voice in the world of medical educational technology. The second part of the program presents demonstrations of nine animated modules, and lets viewers experiment with four of them.

Studying at Harvard Medical School

The 165 students admitted each year to Harvard Medical School become part of a world-class medical community. The five "societies" to which students are assigned – Cannon, Castle, Peabody, Holmes, and Health Sciences and Technology – frame the academic and social experience, connecting students with faculty mentors and with each other. The curriculum as a whole emphasizes frequent discussion and interaction with faculty.

The Human Systems Explorer is designed to help students through the many phases of medical education. In their first year, students study human physiology in depth, taking courses in morphology, microbiology, and biochemistry. The next year, they delve into pathophysiology, the study of human disease. The clinical experience begins in the third year, when students start their work with doctors and patients at some of the most distinguished hospitals in the country.

About the Center for Educational Technology

In December of 2001, the HMS Center for Educational Technology opened its doors in Vanderbilt Hall to faculty seeking ways to incorporate new technologies into their teaching. The facility was the first of its kind in the country, assisting teaching faculty to develop new uses for educational technologies to support medical education. Offering not only a full range of digital services and equipment, educational technology expertise and technical support staff, the center also administers a grant program for new curriculum initiatives.

"We at HMS are now well positioned to take a national leadership role in the use of information technology to further medical education," said John Halamka, associate dean for educational technology. "When you combine the ubiquity of the Web with the rise of wireless and portable technology you have the capacity to make all of our educational resources available anywhere, anytime."

Digital imaging services, such as video streaming, radiographic scanning, and digital microscopy, are a major feature of the center.