Project Overview

Thyroid pathology is prominent in the United States and the thyroid gland examination is an important clinical skill to learn while in medical school, and it is refined during residency training. It is widely practiced in the clinical environment by both primary care and specialty trained physicians to evaluate for pathology of the gland. However, no teaching model exists that accurately models human anatomy, allows for increased hands-on practice and/or allows for quality assessment of proper examination technique. In Dr. Carla Pugh’s lab, we focus on medical education and surgical training research; specifically engineering simulation models and implementing assessment techniques, i.e. sensor technology that allow for improved quantification and qualification of commonly learned skills. We have previously engineered a sensorized thyroid exam model that was validated by two expert endocrinologists. Deficiencies still exist in this model, as it does not allow trainees to practice the full clinical exam, e.g. palpation of thyroid gland while swallowing. This is known to be an important part of the palpation portion of the clinical exam, and helps differentiate neck mass pathology. In an effort to further refine the design and engineering of our current thyroid palpation model we seek motivated students to help in the development of a Movement Model. For this model we envision simulating the normal ascending/descending of the thyroid gland that occurs when an individual swallows. We have not yet begun engineering this component of the model, and only know that one does not currently exist. The students would be able to freely design this focused component of our model, but also have the option of making any additional improvements that they feel could enhance the realism and improve the experience of using this model. This will satisfy a currently unmet need to provide trainees with an anatomically correct and functionally accurate thyroid palpation model.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Yitong He - Team Leader
• Joseph Vecchi - Communicator
• Cassandra Thomas - BSAC & BPAG
• Katherine Barlow - BWIG

Advisor and Client

• Dr. Kris Saha - Advisor
• Shannon Dimarco - Client

Related Projects

• Fall 2015: Thyroid palpation movement model
• Spring 2015: Thyroid Palpation Movement Model