Innovative Integration: Body Interact in Healthcare Education at Esperanza College
In the dynamic landscape of healthcare education, staying ahead means embracing innovation and adaptability. At Esperanza College of Eastern University, they are committed to not only enriching the lives of students but also preparing them for successful and impactful careers in healthcare, led by Professor Mashaal Syed, adjunct professor, HOSA co-advisor, STEM facilitator, and STEM tutor.
Esperanza College’s mission revolves around serving the Hispanic and local Philadelphian communities by enhancing the knowledge, skills, and outlook of young people and adults. With a dedication to fostering thoughtful, positive, productive, and purposeful lives, they continuously seek innovative solutions to empower our students. The Health Design Lab at Esperanza is at the forefront of this mission, leveraging digital platforms to equip students with the skills and readiness necessary for their careers.
Revolutionizing Healthcare Education
Body Interact stands out as a unique clinical simulation tool that goes beyond traditional learning methods. It not only expands upon students’ theoretical knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking skills essential for real-world scenarios. What makes Body Interact truly exceptional is its seamless integration into their curriculum, offering convenience and flexibility for students to engage with the material at their own pace. Whether used during downtime or as part of remote, online-based practice, Body Interact accommodates diverse learning styles and promotes self-directed learning—a cornerstone of success in healthcare education.
Esperanza’s journey with Body Interact began at the Pennsylvania HOSA SLC 2022, where students were captivated by its potential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The accessibility of scenarios not readily available in traditional classrooms, coupled with the ability to revisit and refine skills, has empowered students to overcome intimidation and embrace the diverse patient populations they will encounter in their careers.
Cost-effectiveness is another significant advantage of virtual simulations like Body Interact. By reusing simulations across multiple cohorts, can reduce ongoing costs while maintaining the highest standards of education. Additionally, the tool’s feedback mechanism enables us to track students’ progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring personalized and effective learning experiences.
Professor Mashaal Syed has been crucial in championing the integration of Body Interact into their curriculum. Recognizing the value of team training and the importance of embracing patient diversity, Professor Syed emphasizes the transformative impact of this innovative tool on students’ educational journey.
At Esperanza College, Mashaal believes in equipping students not just with knowledge but with the skills and confidence to thrive in their chosen fields. With Body Interact, we are opening doors to endless possibilities and shaping the future of healthcare education — one simulation at a time.
“Body Interact is an amazing program that allowed me to play the role of a physician, without the risk of actually hurting a patient. Despite it being a simulation, it definitely doesn’t lack the feeling of panic and urgency that comes from a real emergency situation. I personally want to become a pediatrician, and dealing with patients who come in with different backgrounds and medical history is something that I will need to get accustomed to. Body Interact was perfect for that, I felt as if I really was a physician diagnosing my patient through critical thinking and prior knowledge. It is a tool that I expect to continue using throughout my medical studies.”
