Welcome back to Body Banter after summer break! This month, Dr. Christine Palmay shares her perspective as a family physician passionate about preventative care, particularly immunizations. She explains how RSV, a highly contagious respiratory virus, impacts both infants and older adults, and discusses the recent advances in protection, including monoclonal antibodies for children and vaccines for older populations. Dr. Palmay emphasizes that good medicine is about prevention, urging patients to view vaccines as part of a broader investment in health, vitality, and time with loved ones. She also shares her holistic approach to healthcare, reminding listeners that staying well depends not only on science and vaccines but also on everyday basics like movement, connection, and self-care.

This time on Body Banter, Sarina M shares her powerful and personal experience living with long COVID following two severe infections. She describes the wide-ranging impacts on her body—from respiratory struggles and chronic fatigue to muscle pain and visual disturbances—as well as the emotional toll of navigating an invisible illness. Sarina emphasizes the importance of being believed and supported by healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for empathy and patient-centered care. Despite the challenges, she speaks with resilience about recovery, self-compassion, and rebuilding her relationship with her body.

In this episode, Martine Dunnwald shares her journey from studying pharmacy and cell biology in France to becoming a skin biologist and educator in the US. She describes how a chance research collaboration sparked her interest in craniofacial biology and how her resilience during funding challenges led her to discover a passion for teaching anatomy. Martine emphasizes the value of foundational anatomical sciences and interdisciplinary collaboration in both research and education. Her approach blends science, art, and music, reflecting a deep appreciation for the human body—especially the often-overlooked skin.

This week on Body Banter, Janet Philp shares her unconventional path into the field of anatomy, driven by a passion for accurate anatomical education. She discusses her research on the history of body donation, including the notorious Burke and Hare case, and examines how access to dissection is regulated. Janet also explores her innovative use of felted anatomical models, which make learning more interactive and accessible for both students and the public. Her work highlights the importance of rethinking how anatomy is taught, who has access to it, and how creative approaches can enhance understanding.

Welcome to the fifth season of Body Banter! In our opening episode, Professor Claire Smith shares her journey into anatomy, driven by personal health experiences and a fascination with body donation. She explores the complex motivations behind donation, including altruism and a desire to contribute to medical education. A key discussion revolves around "My Dead Body," a documentary featuring the dissection of Toni, a body donor who wished to educate the public about cancer, sparking both praise and controversy. Claire also reflects on ethical questions surrounding donor consent, anonymity, and how anatomical education is evolving to be more transparent and inclusive.

In our final episode of 2024, Dr. Christopher Smith takes us through his unique path from exercise science and fine arts to his role as a postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History. Combining his artistic training with scientific research, Chris explores the evolution of the inner ear and its role in balance and spatial awareness. He shares how his interdisciplinary approach, blending creativity with analytical precision, opens new doors for understanding anatomy and its functions. Chris’s journey underscores the transformative power of merging art and science to uncover insights into human evolution.

In this episode Dr. Valerie O'Loughlin shares her unconventional journey into the fields of anatomy and embryology, from studying biological anthropology to becoming a tenured professor of anatomy. She reflects on how early challenges with understanding embryology sparked her passion for creating accessible and innovative learning tools to help students grasp complex concepts. Valerie highlights the importance of inclusivity in teaching, emphasizing the use of non-gendered language and communicating science in ways that everyone can understand. Her commitment to mentorship and advancing educational research in anatomy has made a lasting impact on both her students and the field.

Join us this episode as Dr. Jon Cornwall shares his journey from physiotherapy to academia, where he developed a strong focus on anatomy and ethics. His interest in the ethical implications of dissection grew while conducting research on back muscles, leading him to question the use and treatment of body donors. Jon emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations in anatomical education, particularly regarding diverse practices around death and the treatment of human remains. He advocates for expanding global networks and improving ethical standards in anatomy education worldwide.