"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future," said Yogi Berra, but that's never stopped me before! In this annual episode, we'll revisit last year's educational forecasts, explore what's popped (and what's fizzled), and check the tea leaves (and little gray cells) once again. With help from colleague Jerry Anzalone—and some cheeky assistance from AI—we'll bravely map out what's next for anatomy and physiology education, all seasoned with empathy, wit, and a cautionary look at hi...
Apr 08, 2025•58 min•Ep. 153
Episode 152 centers on a lively conversation between Kevin and Dr. Kate Oland Galligan as they trace her path from a curious undergrad to a passionate fascia educator and clinician. The duo challenges old perceptions of fascia, recounting stories from early lab experiences where fascia was simply “ripped out,” and contrasting them with new insights on its dynamic, interconnected nature. They reveal how subtle fascial restrictions can cause significant clinical symptoms —linking pelvic imbalances...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 152
In Episode 151 of The A&P Professor podcast, host Kevin Patton is joined by Jennifer Stokes, Rachel Hopp, and Abbey Breckling to discuss the Anatomy and Physiology Student Accommodations Handbook. This handbook released by the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS), provides instructors with evidence-based suggestions and best practices for making A&P labs and classrooms more inclusive and accessible for all students. Developed by a HAPS subcommittee, the handbook offers guidance on...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 151
In Episode 150 of The A&P Professor podcast, host Kevin Patton speaks with intellectual property attorney Brenda Ulrich about copyright law and image use in education. They discuss how educators often mistakenly assume they have rights to use textbook images and the complexities of permissions that expire. Brenda highlights the differences in legal standards for physical versus online teaching and emphasizes the importance of understanding licensing agreements and fair use. By the end, liste...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 150
In episode 149 of The A&P Professor podcast, host Kevin Patton chats with Greg Crowther and Ben Wiggins about their work with exams in the anatomy and physiology (A&P) course. They discuss the importance of exams in assessing student learning and the need for exams to be more connected to course objectives. They also mention the challenges of designing exams that are fair and inclusive for all students. Crowther and Wiggins are conducting a survey on A&P exams and encourage listeners...
Jun 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 149
In Episode 148, Justin Shaffer joins host Kevin Patton to discuss high structure course design. Justin shares his success in building a scaffold for learning by using a variety of course structures to improve student engagement and success , such as pre-class and post-class activities, micro-case studies and clicker questions, brief active learning practices, and much more. 00:00 | I ntroduction 00:46 | Introducing Justin Shaffer 02:49 | High Structure and Low Structure 20:47 | Badge Break 21:43...
May 16, 2024•54 min•Ep. 148
In Episode 147, host Kevin Patton reviews the highlights and events of the previous year in the world of The A&P Professor. He then turns to l ast year's predictions for teaching human anatomy and physiology to see if he was on the right track. Finally, predictions for the coming year are revealed. And lots of other stuff—this episode is two hours long, after all! 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:00:50 | Debrief: Topics, Stats, Reflections 0:21:28 | A Long, Long, Long Episode 0:23:05 | Debrief: More...
Apr 12, 2024•2 hr•Ep. 147
Episode 146 of The A&P Professor podcast is one of our winter shorts, where I replay interesting segments from previous episodes. In this one, we discuss the importance of academic integrity in the Anatomy & Physiology course. We emphasize the need to incorporate discussions about integrity in the syllabus and course materials and share real-life examples of violations in the healthcare field. We highlight how dishonesty can have serious consequences and discuss strategies for prevention...
Jan 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 146
Episode 145 of The A&P Professor podcast is one of our winter shorts, where I replay interesting segments from previous episodes. In this one, you'll hear about the trials and tribulations of teaching and learning pronunciations of anatomy and physiology terminology. Including why the instructor is ALWAYS correct! 00:00 | Introduction 01:07 | Variations in Anatomy & Physiology Pronunciations 10:24 | Say Anatomy & Physiology Terms Out Loud 20:30 | Staying Connected ★ If you cannot see...
Jan 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 145
Mike Pascoe joins host Kevin Patton in Episode 144 to chat about Mike's experience in editing the new Kenhub Atlas of Human Anatomy. We go behind the scenes to see how this new kind of anatomy atlas was developed. Let's see how those decisions get made and how the learning perspective gets incorporated into anatomy manuals. And we explore diverse representation in anatomy images and why we won't find any eponyms in this atlas. We also have a brief remembrance of our friend David Allard. 00:00 | ...
Dec 14, 2023•50 min•Ep. 144
In episode 143 of The A&P Professor podcast for anatomy and physiology faculty, host Kevin Patton uncovers the super-secret, single, ultimate teaching strategy you need to keep your course tuned up and effective. He also revisits the "out there" transducer model of the brain and suggests a connection with a recent discovery supporting quantum wave activity in brain cell microtubules. Yes, quantum waves in the microtubules. Kevin also clarifies and expands on those wacky "extra" courses he de...
Nov 02, 2023•52 min•Ep. 143
Get pumped up for Episode 142, where we have the honor of hosting Dr. Roy Meals, the musculoskeletal maestro! 💪 We're gonna flex our curiosity muscle s and explore every nook and cranny of his latest masterpiece, Muscle: The Gripping Story of Strength and Movement . This episode's so dynamic, you might need a protein shake afterward! 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:01:13 | Re-Introducing Dr. Roy Meals 0:04:08 | Muscle Strain & Why We Train 0:13:53 | What Sword Swallowing Teaches Us About Muscle 0:...
Sep 19, 2023•40 min•Ep. 142
Get ready for a mind-bending 😲 rendezvous with Kevin Patton in Episode 141, where he continues to spill the beans on his top-secret recipe for student triumph. 🏆 Brace yourself for this next adventure on his whirlwind tour of revolutionizing A&P 1 education, as we dissect the art of identifying student pain points, personalizing preparation, and serving up the kind of mentorship they've been yearning for! 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:00:45 | One of Two Success Courses 0:09:48 | Setting Up the ...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 141
In episode 140, we introduce the development of the pre-A&P course and the A&P1 Supplement course. These courses address the challenges faced by A&P students and improve their readiness and comprehension. In this first of two episodes, we focus on the pre-A&P course. It focuses on filling subject knowledge gaps with 10 modules and cumulative tests. Student surveys and studies show its effectiveness in achieving higher grades in the A&P 1 course. Implementing these nontraditio...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 140
In Episode 139, we explore a new discovery in nerve signaling in the brain called a dendritic action potential (dCaAP), we look at a whacky proposed model of brain function , and we share some ideas about how we can help our students understand the core concepts of chemical signaling and signal transduction in different contexts. Put on your thinking caps and jump into this fresh episode now. 00:00 | Introduction 00:50 | Dendritic Action Potentials 12:16 | Transducer Model of the Brain 21:43 | C...
Jun 28, 2023•38 min•Ep. 139
In Episode 138 of The A&P Professor podcast for anatomy & physiology faculty, host Kevin Patton discusses some new thinking about organelle function , why decorative animations are not a good idea in our teaching slides, news about Wendy Riggs and the 2023 HAPS President's Medal , why I don't like timed tests , resources for AI in the curriculum, and why micro-credentials are our friends. With all that, how is that we left out any mention of carbaminohemoglobin? 00:00 | Introduction 00:5...
Jun 09, 2023•46 min•Ep. 138
In Episode 137, host Kevin Patton explores the significance of playfulness, transparency, and authenticity in the teaching persona. Drawing from personal experiences training animals, Kevin explains how play is integral to learning, highlighting the importance of incorporating a sense of fun and embracing failures in the classroom. He also emphasizes the value of transparency by sharing our own mistakes and weaknesses , asserting that being open about flaws fosters authenticity and builds trust ...
May 23, 2023•50 min•Ep. 137
In Episode 136, host Kevin Patton looks at the effects of tattoos on sweat glands, we discuss aural diversity and how we can accommodate it, and we explore how to use the process of deep elaboration in our course to help challenged learners develop stronger and more useful memories. 00:00 | Introduction 00:47 | Tattoos May Impair Sweating 05:37 | Sponsored by AAA 06:41 | Aural Diversity. It's a Thing. 22:36 | Sponsored by HAPI 24:03 | Deep Elaboration 34:22 | Sponsored by HAPS 35:29 | Deeper Ela...
May 09, 2023•54 min•Ep. 136
Dr. Michelle Lazarus , author of the new book, The Uncertainty Effect: How to Survive and Thrive through the Unexpected , joins host Kevin Patton for a lively discussion of of uncertainty in science, medicine, and academia. 00:00 | Introduction 00:50 | Dr. Michelle Lazarus 04:57 | Sponsored by AAA 05:31 | Why Is Uncertainty Important? 17:05 | Sponsored by HAPI 17:49 | The Uncertainty of Teaching A&P 27:07 | Sponsored by HAPS 28:05 | Uncertainty and Inclusion 36:38 | Uncertainty and Risk 38:4...
Apr 12, 2023•43 min•Ep. 135
In Episode 134, Jason Organ, the new Editor-in-Chief of Anatomical Sciences Education (ASE). joins us for a chat about his vision for this popular journal for anatomy and physiology faculty. Ranging from specific goals to general—and insightful—observations about teaching A&P, you'll want to listen in to this thought-provoking discussion. 00:00 | Introduction 00:54 | Introducing Jason Organ & ASE 03:31 | Sponsored by AAA 03:56 | A New Vision for ASE 16:46 | Sponsored by HAPI 17:24 | Huma...
Mar 09, 2023•38 min•Ep. 134
In Episode 133, Dr. Mindi Fried joins us to discuss her experience of aphantasia, the inability to picture thoughts and memories in the mind's eye, and how that affects how she teaches and learns anatomy and physiology. This is a chat that will increase our awareness of the huge and sometimes invisible diversity that exists among our students. 00:00 | Introduction 01:01 | What is Aphantasia? 05:45 | Sponsored by AAA 07:07 | Introducing Mindi Fried 09:03 | Sponsored by HAPI 09:48 | Mindi Fried on...
Feb 24, 2023•49 min•Ep. 133
Episode 132 is the annual debriefing episode, which features a review of the last year and a look ahead to the coming year. And yes, I make my traditional psychic predictions for the new year , as well as review last year's predictions. 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:00:46 | The A&P Professor is Back! 0:04:02 | Looking Back at 2022 0:14:46 | More Looking Back at 2022 0:26:30 | What About Those Sponsor Messages? 0:30:31 | Last Year's Predictions: How Did We Do? 0:38:57 | Looking Ahead to 2023 1:05:...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 132
In Episode 131, Kevin Patton discusses the use of ChatGPT and other chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching and learning. We learn what's going on, what to be concerned about, and what to look forward to. And how to keep breathing. 0:00:00 | Introduction 0:00:53 | What's a Chatbot and Why Should I Care? 0:08:44 | Sponsored by AAA 0:09:51 | Kevin Asks ChatGPT Some Questions 0:21:25 | Sponsored by HAPI 0:22:01 | Is ChatGPT Amazing? Is It Accurate? 0:37:23 | Sponsored by HAPS 0:38:11 ...
Jan 19, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 131
Host Kevin Patton revisits some classic segments from past episodes. In the first segment, he explains why he thinks storytelling is the heart of effective teaching. Then. he tells a brief version of his actin-myosin love story —a playful analogy to help students learn about muscle contraction. 00:00 | Introduction 01:07 | Storytelling: The Heart of Teaching 15:36 | Sponsored by AAA, HAPI, and HAPS 17:10 | Actin-Myosin Love Story 27:58 | Staying Connected ★ If you cannot see or activate the audi...
Jan 03, 2023•29 min•Ep. 130
In yet another of our Winter Shorts episodes, Kevin Patton discusses his experience with Pre-Tests as a learning tool —not simply an assessment tool. Surprisingly, the use of Pre-Tests improved student scores on the regular tests. 00:00 | Introduction 01:07 | What is a Pre-Test? 07:52 | Sponsored by AAA, HAPI, and HAPS 09:25 | More Strategies for Learning the Skeleton 15:13 | Staying Connected ★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-129.html 🏅...
Dec 21, 2022•17 min•Ep. 129
In another of our Winter Shorts episodes, Kevin Patton discusses nine (or is it ten?) simple strategie s for improving student learning of the human skeleton in the anatomy and physiology course. 00:00 | Introduction 01:07 | Strategies for Learning the Skeleton 10:10 | Sponsored by AAA, HAPI, and HAPS 11:43 | More Strategies for Learning the Skeleton 20:30 | Staying Connected ★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-128.html 🏅 Apply for your cr...
Dec 08, 2022•22 min•Ep. 128
Episode 127 is one of our winter shorts, where I replay interesting segments from previous episodes. In this one, you'll hear about the role of platelets in immunity, how the Golgi apparatus gets its weird shape, exactly how hot mitochondria get , and why we may want to consider marking assignments and tests with a green pen , rather than a red one. 00:00 | Introduction 01:07 | Mitochondria 02:29 | Platelets 07:15 | Sponsored by AAA, HAPI, and HAPS 08:49 | Golgi Apparatus 13:51 | Green Pens 16:2...
Nov 18, 2022•18 min•Ep. 127
We list ten thing s that we often forget to tell —or remind—our students about cells. We learn how to create a peaceful forest-like retreat in our office using soundscapes, I get my winter shorts ready (seriously), and Margaret Reece comments about teaching urinary concepts . That last topic spurs a rant from Kevin on diversity of course sections. 00:00 | Introduction 00:56 | Pee Again 07:46 | A Forest in My Office 13:54 | Sponsored by AAA 14:27 | Getting Out My Winter Shorts 17:31 | Sponsored b...
Nov 02, 2022•52 min•Ep. 126
Teaching renal anatomy & physiology is tricky and sometimes difficult. In The Pee Episode I'll tell you how I know that for sure . Plus, I'll share some possible strategies for providing the clarity needed to avoid confusion and that unhelpful kind of frustration that sometimes accompanies the renal module in our course. And there's a song from Greg Crowther! 00:00 | Introduction 00:47 | Adventures With Tarzan 06:51 | Making Heads or Tails or Loops 20:32 | Sponsored by AAA 21:31 | Big Pictur...
Oct 21, 2022•53 min•Ep. 125
Dr. Krista Rompolski joins us for a Journal Club episode discussing a study regarding whether it's best to have a separate anatomy course followed by a physiology course, or to combine anatomy & physiology i nto an integrated two-semester sequence. We've all considered this question, haven't we? Now we have some data to discuss! 00:00 | Introduction 00:45 | Journal Club 02:46 | Summary of Article 07:23 | Long-Term Retention Sucks Either Way 19:39 | Sponsored by AAA 20:35 | Cover Everything? ...
Oct 05, 2022•56 min•Ep. 124
