8th Medical Science Day is behind us
8.06.2015
A crowd of children and youth, over 400 workshops, lectures and laboratory demonstrations and over 60 popular science events – that summarizes the statistics of this year’s Medical Science Day. The 8th edition of this event promoting medical sciences among the youngest residents of our region took place on May 22nd at the MUG ollegium Biomedicum from 9:00-13:00. Prof. Leszek Bieniaszewski (Vice-Rector for Education) welcomed the visitors on the behalf the organizers and MUG Authorities. Whereas dr Tomasz Marjański (MUG Department of Thoracic Surgery) delivered the inaugural lecture during which he guided the audience through the fascinating world of thoracic surgery starting with the resection of Adam’s rib 5775 years ago.
During the rest of the lectures the visitors could find out the truth about vampires and werewolves, discover the world of biomedical engineering or find out about sexting and its detrimental effects on a young person’s life. Physiotherapists helped in finding the answer to the question whether a healthy child have back pain as well as explained what is manual therapy. Young people had a Chance to find out about lipoproteins, their functions and the influence of mother’s lifestyle on fetal development. Whereas the future oncological surgeons told about disorders of the cell, while the Staff of the Tri-City Academic Laboratory Animal Centre for the first time revealed how are research animals cared for during experiments. The Department of Foreign Languages conducted 5 mini-courses in 3 languages (Spanish, French and English) during which they described university life, basic human anatomy and strange diseases. There were plenty of conversations about the role of healthy diet and active lifestyle on mood and the therapeutic properties of the most common plants that we all can find in our neighborhoods.
Among the new additions this year were the immensely popular workshops prepared by the students from the Student Scientific Club at the MUG Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects. Many visitors were interested in workshops regarding syncope (fainting) among youth and first aid in case someone faints. Also, there was a presentation explaining why we have a heartbeat, how many chambers does the heart have and why is its shape is so different from the Valentine’s hearts.
Demonstrations at 44 booths took place simultaneously with the lectures and workshops. Young scientists under the supervision of MUG students and specialists tried to grow their own chemical garden or start a storm in a test tube. Young immunologists explained the purpose of immunization and gave the children a Chance to “vaccinate” a teddy bear. Students from the Scientific Club at the MUG Department of Paediatrics, Hematology and Oncology explained the physiology of the Hematopoietic system, while the members of the Young Pharmacy described the role of a pharmacy and the products it sells. The MUG Library booth was highly popular among the children as it offered medical games. With the help of pharmacists, everyone had a Chance to find out how are medications produced and how to use them properly. Gynecologists together with the students from the Gdańsk branch of IFMSA-Poland explained to girls what is cervical cancer, how to prevent it and treat it. Whereas at their booth the dentists explained what is the effect of sweet carbonated beverages and energy drinks. Under the microscopw the young scientists observed protozoa, algae, bacteria as well as human skin, muscle and bone tissues. Anesthesiologists presented venous and arterial access under the control of USG and the future surgeons taught basic laparoscopic surgery skills.
The most popular events from the previous editions of the Medical Science Day, such as the first aid, breast examination and basic suturing skills workshops and tour of the research animal lab, also attracted many visitors this year. Physical therapists organized numerous sport-related educational events combined with testing the manual coordination or sense of balance. Whereas the nutrition students offered tasty and healthy snacks. Children learned about type 1 diabetes from the Department of Community Nursing & Health Promotion Staff, while the Young Microbiologist Club members revealed home methods of treatment using easily available food products. Departments which participated for the first time, such as Urology, Plastic Surgery or Pharmaceutical Pathophysiology, drew much attention. As usual, the foundation “Gdyński Most Nadziei” (Gdynia Bridge of Hope) promoted testicular cancer prevention among youth.
The 8th Medical Science Day was a part of the 13th Baltic Science Festival. More information about the event and the photo galery are at medycznydziennauki.gumed.edu.pl
