Education on the Couch: A Guide to Free Online Learning Opportunities at Michigan Medicine

Author | Katie Whitney

Photo by Getty Images

The pandemic has led to more stress and anxiety for many people. But that doesn't mean this can't be a time of personal growth. Whether you're interested in brushing up on anatomy or getting expert advice on all things COVID-19, we've got you covered. The following is a list of online, self-paced, and free educational opportunities offered by Michigan Medicine. It's organized according to the length (anywhere from one hour to a couple of months), so you can dive in at your comfort level.

Webinars and Panel Discussions (1-2 hours)

"Uncovering the Science Behind COVID-19 Treatments and Vaccines," a panel discussion with microbiology, immunology, and pharmacology professors.

"Mental Health During Challenging Times," a panel discussion with psychiatry and family medicine professors.

"Back to School in the COVID-19 Era," a panel discussion with pediatric and epidemiology experts.

"Health Disparities Underscored by the COVID-19 Pandemic," a panel discussion with several faculty members.

"Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders," a panel discussion with pediatric oncology experts.

"Women's Health," a panel discussion with obstetrics and gynecology professors about advances in research, care, education, and innovation to improve women's health.

"Thrive With Your Family," a video series with pediatrics and child psychiatry professors that was created as emotional support for families during the first months of the pandemic.

Long courses (4 weeks or more)

"Brilliant, Passionate You," a course on how to make each day the best day of your life. The course begins with envisioning a perfect day, and then helps participants deconstruct the elements of that day and how to achieve them, from finding your purpose, defining success, and increasing mental and physical health to understanding the importance of community and navigating risks and challenges.

"Injury Prevention for Children & Teens," a course taught by faculty at the U-M Injury Prevention Center. This course is designed for multiple fields, including health care, kinesiology, public policy, social work, pharmacy, dentistry, and psychology, as well as many levels of training. The course is also appropriate for educators, coaches, child care providers, and parents.

"Anatomy: Gastrointestinal, Reproductive and Endocrine Systems," a course on the various digestive, endocrine, and reproductive organs, their functions, and pathways of nerves and blood vessels serving these organs. Clinical correlations and vignettes are used to highlight the importance of these anatomical structures and their relationships. With videos, cadaveric images, and anatomical illustrations.

"Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems," a course on the components of the integumentary system (epidermis, dermis, hair, nails, and glands) and how they help protect the body, and how the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, and skeletal muscles) protects and allows the body to move. With videos, lectures, and anatomical illustrations and cadaveric images.

"Anatomy: Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Urinary Systems," a course on the interactive relationships of these systems. With lectures, videos, labeling activities, and quizzes.

"Impacting the Opioid Crisis: Prevention, Education, and Practice for Non-Prescribing Providers," a course on the opioid epidemic and evidence-based prevention, intervention, education, and policy strategies. Designed primarily for non-prescribing health care, behavioral health, dental, and social services professionals, as well as graduate-level students in these fields. Other individuals, such as educators and physicians, also may benefit from this course. Continuing Education (CE) for licensure is available upon successful completion of course content.

Even longer courses (8 weeks or more)

"Anatomy: Human Neuroanatomy," a course on the central and peripheral nervous systems, including basic neuroanatomy, sensory pathways, motor pathways, and the autonomic nervous system. With illustrations, lectures, videos, and quizzes.

"Sleep: Neurobiology, Medicine, and Society," a course on the biological, personal, and societal importance of sleep.


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