Through its trailblazing partnership with St. Luke’s University Health Network, Moravain Academy students gain hands-on medical insights through cadaver dissections, fostering curiosity and real-world learning.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (April 30, 2026) — On May 5, Moravian Academy’s juniors and seniors will take part in the school’s annual cadaver dissection event, where anatomy and physiology students apply their course knowledge in a real-world medical setting. Led by Dr. Gregory Carolan, orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Maheep Vikram, primary care sports medicine physician, both from St. Luke’s University Health Network, students will be guided through an in-depth lesson on body systems, gaining firsthand experience in human anatomy.
“For students considering a medical career, this is an invaluable opportunity to meet with practicing doctors, ask them anatomy-related questions, and engage in a cadaver dissection,” said Wendy Sheetz, biology teacher at Moravian Academy. “Throughout the year, my students study muscles, bones, and body systems. When students witness these systems together, in a dissection setting, it is a unique and impactful way to apply their learning.”
This year, from 12 PM to 3 PM in the Athletic and Wellness Center, students can also participate in simulated medical dissections using synthetic cadavers, further reinforcing their knowledge. Previously, students have dissected leg and shoulder cadavers during the live demonstration.
Through its partnership with St. Luke’s, Moravian Academy offers students an extraordinary opportunity to explore the field of medicine, deepen their understanding of human anatomy, and engage with medical professionals.
“This dissection is not just about learning anatomy, but rather it’s about sparking curiosity and giving students a real sense of what a career in medicine entails,” said Dr. Gregory F. Carolan, orthopedic surgeon at St. Luke’s. “Watching them apply their knowledge in this setting is incredibly rewarding.”
Through this programming, Moravian Academy students have a unique opportunity to take a step closer to their future careers in healthcare, cultivating critical thinking, practical skills, and a deeper understanding of the human body.
ABOUT MORAVIAN ACADEMY
Founded in 1742 by Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf and later joined by The Swain School in a 2020 merger, Moravian Academy is steeped in a legacy of educational excellence. At our Swain, Historic Downtown, and Merle-Smith Campuses, our students are immersed in a community that values creativity, curiosity, love, and understanding, and students are encouraged to explore their identities, asking, “Who am I, and who can I become?”
Visit us in person to experience firsthand the transformative power of a Moravian Academy education and find more information about our programs on our website, www.moravianacademy.
Information provided to TVL by:
Grace Levy
