The Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies at the University of Szeged has upgraded its resources with the acquisition of an interactive anatomical table valued at nearly HUF 40 million. Known as the Anatomage Table, this cutting-edge educational tool is currently one of a kind in Hungary, delivered to the faculty in July 2024. Since its installation, it has already been integrated into teaching activities, with an unveiling event held on November 18, 2024, attended by members of the press.

Prof. Dr. Márta Széll: "This remarkable piece of equipment represents a unique technological innovation in Hungary."

“This is another significant step forward in enhancing the quality of instruction at our institution. Today, we are commissioning a remarkable piece of equipment that represents a unique technological innovation in Hungary. It unlocks entirely new perspectives for our students, helping them acquire knowledge in a highly effective and visually engaging way,” said the Vice-Rector. She also stressed the University of Szeged’s long-standing commitment to delivering top-tier healthcare education. This dedication is clearly reflected in the establishment of a skills lab at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies three years ago. That investment, amounting to HUF 62 million, has enabled students to hone their professional skills in an environment that closely mirrors real-life conditions. The newly introduced interactive Anatomage Table, in turn, allows students to explore human anatomy in an especially realistic and intricately detailed virtual environment, unlike anything seen before.

Prof. Dr. Edit Tóth-Molnár : "Significant equipment acquisitions are currently underway."

Also speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Edit Tóth-Molnár, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, stated:

“Healthcare higher education is a strategically vital area that must be purposefully developed, as sustainable, modern healthcare cannot exist without it. Without midwives, paramedics, BSc nurses and vocational nurses, specialist medical assistants, dental hygienists, and many others, the Hungarian healthcare system would be unable to function. We must acknowledge this and take the necessary strategic steps. The exponentially advancing field of telemedicine and artificial intelligence-based technologies require professionals who are open to embracing these innovations.”

The Dean of the Faculty further remarked that the newly introduced anatomical table sets a new standard in the quality of education, highlighting the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure at the faculty. She also added that significant equipment acquisitions are currently underway for soon-to-be-launched midwifery and paramedic training programs, financed with HUF 250 million allocated from the central university budget.

With the Anatomage Table ceremonially unveiled during the Szent-Györgyi Days, an event series celebrating health sciences in Szeged, Prof. Dr. Edit Tóth-Molnár found it fitting to quote the Nobel laureate scientist: “Think boldly. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Don’t miss small details, keep your eyes open and be modest in everything except your aims.”

The functionality and features of the Anatomage Table were demonstrated by Zoltán Vadász

During the event, the functionality and features of the Anatomage Table were demonstrated by Zoltán Vadász, a representative of the limited liability company Fototronic Kft. He described the equipment as much more than a conventional learning tool, presenting it as a comprehensive interactive educational system that encompasses physiology, pathology, and anatomy. He also pointed out that it was developed with a strong focus on creating an intuitive interface. “This means that if we put students with no prior experience in front of this table, they will be able to confidently navigate all its functions within 15 minutes, given their familiarity with touchscreen technology from an early age. Using a touchscreen poses no challenge for them,” he said.

The Anatomage Table features five virtual cadavers, each meticulously sectioned, photographed, and fully reconstructed in 3D using advanced segmentation. This enables the cadavers’ heart function and circulation to be virtually activated and allows for the demonstration of various physiological processes. Furthermore, the manufacturer updates the platform annually with new software, which is provided free of charge to all partners.

Original Hungarian text by Imre Vida-Szűcs

Cover photo: A state-of-the-art anatomical table was unveiled at the University of Szeged's Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. Photo by Ádám Kovács-Jerney