How BodyViz Prepares Students for Real-World Clinical Practice with Dr. Bob Frampton

January 15, 2025

As the field of physical therapy (PT) evolves, so must the educational practices that prepare future professionals. Modern PT students expect an interactive, on-demand, and real-world learning experience. Dr. Bob Frampton, a seasoned PT educator and program director, understands this shift and is embracing the change. Recognizing the increasing importance of diagnostic imaging in PT practice, he has integrated BodyViz into his anatomy curriculum, offering students a deeper, hands-on learning experience.

Engaging the Modern Student

Today’s students have different learning preferences. They crave interactivity and hands-on experiences rather than passive lectures. Dr. Frampton has observed this shift firsthand. “Today’s students don’t want to be talked to. They want to be engaged in a conversation,” he explains, recognizing the need for a more immersive, collaborative approach to teaching.

This is where BodyViz excels. The Brain Builder modules break down complex anatomical concepts into short, interactive lessons that encourage active learning. These modules allow students to engage directly with the material, building a stronger understanding of the subject.

“What I liked about what BodyViz was offering was, I got emails early on about the Free Brain Builders. I was able to download them, set them aside, and show them to students because they’re really cool,” shares Dr. Frampton. These Brain Builder modules give students the chance to interact with anatomy in exciting ways that complement traditional learning.

Linking Anatomy and Patient Care

One of the most significant benefits of BodyViz is its ability to integrate anatomy with patient care. Previously, anatomy might have been taught in isolation, but now it’s part of a larger, case-based approach that closely mirrors real-world practice.

Dr. Frampton integrates patient-centered case studies into his coursework, encouraging students to apply their anatomical knowledge in clinical settings. By exploring patient scans and analyzing pathologies, students can visualize the connections between anatomy and clinical reasoning. “What I want them to do is get re-exposed to the anatomy as it relates to the pathology being discussed,” he explains. This method helps students recognize how foundational anatomical knowledge supports clinical decision-making.

“Last year, when they did dissection, they spent more time dissecting and less time learning. Now they spend that time learning, doing, applying, and it far outweighs the traditional approach to anatomy and physiology.”

Concordia's course structure mirrors the clinical journey. The first half focuses on anatomy and normal physiology, while the second half introduces pathology, where students revisit anatomy through the lens of disease. BodyViz plays a pivotal role in connecting these two domains. “The first part of our lab time was just straight palpation, just anatomy. Now we’re dealing with patient cases that are specific to PT practice,” Dr. Frampton says, explaining how BodyViz helps students make meaningful connections. “Now the light bulbs are coming on,” he adds, noting how students can finally see the relevance of their earlier lessons. With BodyViz, students don't just memorize anatomy, they experience it.

Preparing for the Future of PT Practice

As PT practice continues to embrace imaging diagnostics, PT students who can confidently analyze medical scans will be better equipped for modern clinical roles. With tools like BodyViz, students gain a crucial advantage that will serve them throughout their careers. As states increasingly allow PTs to prescribe imaging, this understanding and hands-on approach are becoming more critical.

“There’s a lot of utility for a product like this to be introduced early and have students refer to it often throughout their journey. It serves them well in practice, especially in states that allow imaging diagnostic."

BodyViz Support

For Dr. Frampton, the success of BodyViz goes beyond the software; it’s about the support from the team behind it. “The entire experience, from talking with Curt [CEO] to onboarding, was phenomenal. Top-notch,” he recalls. His onboarding process was smooth, guided by the dedicated BodyViz content team, ensuring seamless integration into his curriculum.

“I literally reach out in an email, and they are right on it. If something seemed overwhelming, they were willing to stop and walk me through it.”

He compares this experience to his past experiences with other vendors, emphasizing how the quality of service sets BodyViz apart. “I’ve worked with a lot of other vendors that don’t have this. I have not had the same experience,” he reflects, pointing to the superior customer care BodyViz offers. This level of support is integral to the BodyViz experience, ensuring instructors are never left to navigate the software or learning platform alone. BodyViz’s commitment to acting on user feedback further enhances the product’s effectiveness. “If the developers are open to feedback, it makes a product better,” says Dr. Frampton, acknowledging the improvements he’s seen in BodyViz over the years, like the most recent addition of One-Click Dissection.

Even his lab assistant, who will take over the Concordia anatomy course this winter, has benefited from BodyViz’s training and support. Dr. Frampton is confident that this will ensure the continuity of the innovative teaching methods he has implemented.

The Future of PT Education

Dr. Frampton believes BodyViz represents the future of physical therapy education. By providing students with the opportunity to engage with 3D anatomy, patient case studies, and interactive modules, BodyViz equips them with practical skills that go beyond theoretical knowledge.

“This isn’t just about memorizing muscles and bones; it’s about thinking critically, analyzing imaging, and applying knowledge to real-life clinical cases,” Dr. Frampton explains. He has seen firsthand how this approach transforms his students, especially as they work through patient scenarios. “Now they’re able to go back and watch those cases and understand why the anatomy was so important,” he says.

“If I could make a recommendation, it would be to incorporate BodyViz, because it allows students to build familiarity with anatomy over time and across multiple courses.”

With BodyViz, students aren't just engaging with anatomy once, they are continually exposed to it in different contexts, reinforcing their understanding and skills throughout their education. By preparing students for the realities of modern PT practice, where imaging analysis and clinical reasoning are critical, BodyViz is helping shape a new era in PT education.

Are you ready to revolutionize your PT program?

Bring interactive, student-centered learning to your anatomy courses with BodyViz. Schedule a demo today to experience how BodyViz can transform the way your students engage with anatomy, pathology, and patient care.

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