Every month, we’ll get to know one of the Student Tech Leads!
NAME
Breeanna Messner
YEAR/CLINICAL CAMPUS
Class of 2024/Vancouver
FUN FACT
I was on a kids Sea Shanty album when I was in 4th grade.
What’s your pre-med school technology background?
I am usually one of the go-to people in my family when it comes to troubleshooting any technology issues that arise. Outside of that, I have a relatively basic technology background! Before medical school, I pretty much only felt comfortable using Google drive and Microsoft programs.
What’s your favorite app?
Hands down, my favorite app is Complete Anatomy (formerly 3D4Medical)! I have been amazed at how much I have used it outside of my Anatomy course. There are options to look at different radiology images, videos on different conditions and procedures, and a variety of courses.
Additionally, on the anatomy models, you can click on any part of the body, and it will tell you detailed information on the articulations, actions, arterial supply, branches of arteries, and more!
What’s the best part about being a Student Tech Lead?
As someone who has had their fair share of technology mishaps, I know first-hand the feeling of panic when things aren’t working how you want them to. As a Student Tech Lead, I love being able to troubleshoot technology issues so that presenters can focus on their material instead of feeling stressed when technology issues arise.
How do you plan to incorporate technology into your practice as a physician?
As a medical student, I have been able to use Complete Anatomy (formerly 3D4Medical) to visually explain to a patient where their pre-patellar bursa was. I plan to continue utilizing technology to provide alternative explanations to patients.
Additionally, I am interested in point-of-care ultrasound in the Emergency Department. I plan to continue to learn how handheld ultrasound devices that plug into phones/tablets can be best utilized!
Aside from technology, what do you nerd out over?
I love trying to perfect different impressions/accents, and then making my friends and family listen and try it out themselves. My best impression is probably the Grinch, and my worst is my dolphin impression. All my loved ones have heard my Grinch impression about a hundred times!
What is your number 1 tech tip for med students or faculty?
I like to live by the phrase “everything is figureoutable”—and I think this applies well to technology! There is one guarantee when it comes to tech: something will go wrong at the worst time. When this happens, take a deep breath, and try the steps that have worked for you before (e.g., refresh the page, close and re-open the browser, turn your device off and on). If that isn’t working, you can ask your friendly STL or the MedTech team. Sometimes it just takes a different set of eyes to figure it out!
by the Office of Technology