[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/anatomy_lab.jpg” caption=”Meredith Bothwell works as an anatomy lab assistant. Photo by Christine MacLean.”]Working as an anatomy lab assistant is the dream job for many health science and science students — that is, if they can stomach the job. It turns out Meredith Bothwell, a third-year kinesiology student, can.

A position working in the Health Sciences Anatomy Lab, located in the Health Sciences Centre, offers a wealth of learning experience, including the ability to work beside top-notch doctors and medical students, time to read medical modules and the opportunity to study real specimens.

Bothwell's duties consist of cleaning the various stations in the lab, cleaning and moistening specimens, and updating the modules. Cleaning and bookwork may not sound like the ideal summer job to some, but Bothwell explains these duties are much more than basic tasks.

“The job is really focused around problem-based learning,” she says. “While I am cleaning the lab stations, I get to investigate the specimens at each station. This allows me to get hands-on experience with body parts I would usually only see on paper diagrams.”

She adds, “I work in a helpful environment. If I have a question, my bosses are right there to ask, or I can just walk down the hall and ask another doctor.”

As Bothwell conducts a tour of the lab, she points to the specimens. She picks up the medical module to read the information provided before giving an explanation about the specimen. The laboratory is an interactive environment that is conducive to learning and Bothwell has taken full advantage of these opportunities, or “cool parts of the job,” as she refers to them.

“I feel that I am constantly learning and being challenged on a daily basis,” she explains. “Much of this comes from participating in lectures and tutorials. I have been taught how to embalm a body, and how to mix embalming chemicals and moistening fluids. I have even been studied myself by medical students when I volunteered to have an ultrasound done.”

The anatomy lab assistant position offers Bothwell the opportunity to develop her various skills, both scientific and artistic. One of Bothwell's duties is to update the medical modules, and prepare information and diagrams for a new webpage called Wikinatomy. Bothwell carefully sketches diagrams of the various specimens and then fills in the colours using Photoshop.

“I think it is great that I can use my creative abilities in this job,” Bothwell says about her experience.

Although Bothwell is enjoying her experience in the anatomy lab, the opportunity has helped her make decisions about her future, while at the same time complicating matters for her.

“I was torn between the psychological or medical route of kinesiology, and now I know that I prefer the psychological route,” she says. “Don't get me wrong. I love working here, but it feels good to reaffirm the direction I prefer. This job opportunity has opened the door. Before, I was guessing about what is involved in this type of job, and now I have a view of what they do in this field.”