1. # The “Who, How, What and Application” of Physiology Dexter L. Lee Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia ABSTRACT During PhUn Week 2011, students of the Northwestern High School Science Club in Hyattsville, Maryland were informed about the “Who, How, What and Application” of Physiology. The demonstration focus was on using a non-invasive technique to determine changes in heart rate and how this relates to determining changes in blood pressure. The presentation started with the “Who” is a Physiologist? The purpose was to free students from stereotypes regarding a physiologist while introducing them to the “How” one becomes a physiologist. Northwestern High School is composed of a large population of African American students and students in which Spanish is the primary language. During the presentation of the “Who”, students were provided with a live example of a minority physiologist and encouragement to become a physiologist. During the description of the “How”, students were informed of the formal education and training required to become a physiologist. During the description of the “What”, students were informed of the basic science used by certain physiologist to study hypertension. The students were informed about why hypertension is called the “Silent Killer” and how it is important for them and their family members to have their blood pressure checked by a physician on a regular basis. The “Application” of physiology involved utilizing a PowerLab data acquisition system and a pulse transducer. The expansion and contraction of the student index finger circumference due to changes in pulsatile flow was used to illustrate heart rate. The excitement of the activity was generated when students volunteered to have their heart rates determined during rest and exercise. The “Application” phase was summarized with explaining the relationships between changes in heart rate and changes in blood pressure. The advisor of the Northwestern High School Science Club was very enthusiastic and appreciative of the PhUn week demonstration and arranged for future physiology presentations to the Science Club. Coordinate the date and time for presentation Working with Teacher on the content and depth of the presentation Learning about career aspirations of students Planning of Activities and Demonstration Application of Physiology to alert students and their families to potential health risks associated with High Blood Pressure. Planning Process for Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week Summary of PhUn Week Event DateNov. 14, 2011 Time2:40 – 4:10 pm Where?Northwestern High School Hyattsville, Maryland Audience12 th Grade ContactMs. Clemontene Rountree VenueScience Lab: The presentation was to the Science Club. No. Students21 No. Volunteers6 – 8 (heart rate measurements) Activities-Discussion on “Who” is a Physiologist? -Discussion on “How” one becomes a Physiologist -Discussion on “What” Physiologist study. -Application of Physiology by measuring heart rate. PhUn Week -Student Demographics: Students were informed that High blood pressure can be caused by multiple factors and that it adds to the workload of the heart and arteries. The hearts of patients with high blood pressure must pump harder causing the arteries to carry blood moving under greater pressure. If untreated, High blood pressure can cause permanent changes to blood vessels and the heart that may create serious problems elsewhere in the body. Students were informed of the ways to have their blood pressure checked and was informed that it is preferred that their blood pressure is checked by a physician. “Who” The presentation started with talking about “Who” are physiologists? In addition to defining physiology as the study of body structure and function, students were informed that physiologists are from many ethnic backgrounds and are located all over the world. As an example of physiology being a multi-cultural discipline, students were provided with the American Physiological Society’s website on minority scientist (http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Education/Minority-Program).(http://www.the-aps.org/mm/Education/Minority-Program Students were informed that the common theme that unite all physiologists is the research of such areas as organ systems and the teaching of physiological concepts. “How” Students were informed of the education and training needed to become a physiologist. A majority of the students thought that a 4-year degree was the most education needed to become a physiologist and were largely unaware of multiple postdoctoral fellowships after graduate school. Students were also informed of the multiple settings in which physiologist conduct research, teach and provide service (industry, government and university). “What” The students were informed of the basic science and clinical applications used by physiologist to study a pathological condition such as hypertension. The students were given a definition of hypertension. The presentation included a discussion on how physiologist formulate questions and hypotheses to study hypertension. The students were made aware of the many areas of research/models used to study hypertension, which included cellular mechanisms, organ systems, clinical and whole animal research. “Application” Feedback and Future Plans It was communicated to me by the advisor of the Science Club from Northwestern High School, Ms. Rountree, that the students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, discussion and would also like to have future presentations about physiology to discuss such topics as research, training and job outlook.