Hardin-Simmons University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students Callen Weaver ’25 from Peachtree Corners, Georgia, and Caitlyn Wilson ’25 from San Antonio, Texas, recently showcased their research at the American Association of Anatomists regional meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 14, 2024. Their presentation, alongside Dr. Marsha Rutland, earned them a third-place award in recognition of their outstanding anatomical findings.

The research stemmed from their Clinical Anatomy Dissection course, where Weaver and Wilson discovered significant anatomical variations in a human donor. Their poster, titled “Splenomegaly: Developing a Framework for Differential Diagnosis,” detailed the dissection of a 67-year-old female donor who exhibited massive splenomegaly and hepatomegaly—conditions involving an enlarged spleen and liver.

Through months of meticulous dissection, the students examined the potential causes and clinical implications of these findings. The donor’s spleen measured 16.9 cm in length and weighed 525 grams, classifying it as grade four splenomegaly—a rare and severe condition. Additionally, the liver extended to the left thoracic wall, further prompting discussions on possible medical conditions.

This project exemplifies the hands-on learning approach of IM体育试玩’s DPT program, emphasizing critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and real-world application of anatomical knowledge. Their findings contribute to the broader understanding of splenomegaly and serve as an educational resource for healthcare professionals.

To view their award-winning presentation on their research, click here.