Meridian Lab Expands

Meridian laboratory expansion benefits students and community partners

Health professions students at Idaho State University took their studies to the next level this semester with the expansion of the L.S. and Aline Skaggs Treasure Valley Anatomy and Physiology Laboratories in Meridian.

The 4,490-square-foot expansion includes the addition of 12 anatomy stations, high-definition cameras and distance-learning technology, enabling professors to share content with students in Pocatello. On a front wall is a large video screen — 12 feet wide by 7 feet tall — visible from every corner of the room.

“Everyone can clearly see what is being pointed to and what is being talked about,” said Lorinda Smith, clinical assistant professor and laboratories manager.

The cadaver stations — where students dissect and study anatomical donations — are similar to miniature classrooms, equipped with adjustable cameras, monitors and laptop computers. Instructors have the option of teaching individualized lessons to a small group or sharing content with the entire class, said David Anes, the instructional media specialist who helped design the lab and install the equipment.

 Idaho State students currently using the new space include students in the physician assistant studies, nursing, communication sciences and physical therapy programs as well as students from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine, a private medical school housed on the Meridian campus.

The new digs are part of a nearly $7 million build-out of the first and second floors of the Skaggs Meridian Health Science Center and complement the existing anatomy, bioskills and virtual labs housed in the TVAPL. Funding sources included a $3.85 million gift from The ALSAM Foundation, the charitable trust of drugstore magnate Sam Skaggs and his wife Aline; a $2.5 million collaborative agreement with ICOM, and funds from Idaho State, according to ISU Facilities Services.

More than 2,000 people, including college and high school students, medical educators, health care professionals and community partners are expected to tour or participate in training sessions in the Treasure Valley laboratories this year.

“This is an example of what Bengals can do when we work together and with the community in an effort to create educational opportunities for Idahoans,” Smith said.

Chris Gabettas