Medical imaging students have a 'phantom' patient for CT scanning
Published on 25 May, 2011
CQUniversity's pioneering cohort of Medical Imaging students in Mackay can not irradiate human patients for CT practice scanning but they have the absolute next best thing - a 'phantom' patient worth around $95,000.
The Kyoto phantom is a simulated human torso with synthetic anatomical features and life-like radiation absorption, which acts as a substitute for human patients during learning.
The Mackay model is believed to be one of only two of its kind in Australia.
The Kyoto phantom has state-of-the-art synthetic bones, a brain with cerebral ventricles, eye balls, lungs with three-dimensional pulmonary vessels, trachea, liver with portal and hepatic veins, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, cava, ureter, urinary bladder, prostate, rectum and sigmoid colon.
This equipment is part of CQUniversity's new $4 million Medical and Applied Sciences Laboratories on Mackay Campus, which support a range of programs, including the new four-year Bachelor of Medical Imaging and Bachelor of Medical Sonography/Graduate Diploma of Medical Sonography.
These laboratories are so well equipped with state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment that they rival any clinical department and are expected to become a centre for excellence for simulation teaching and assessment techniques.
The new programs are helping deliver regionally-trained radiographers and sonographers to local communities experiencing a critical shortage of these skilled professionals.
Medical Imaging is the newest program of its type to be offered on an Australian campus in 10 years, while Sonography is a landmark as the first program offered for undergraduate entry.
