P20 Anatomical Education during Covid-19: Ramifications for Students’ Learning

The world is experiencing an ongoing and serious pandemic, and as both an anatomy student and anatomy demonstrator, I felt it necessary to comment on the impact this pandemic has had and is having on students’ anatomical education, and on my concerns about the implications it might have on the future of current anatomy students. Methods In the form of an extended Letter to the Editor, I present some of my reflections on the above matter and suggest a number of points for anatomy students, demonstrators and institutions to consider as we move forwards. Results When students lost access to dissection rooms, they lost access not only to cadavers, but also to a range of other optimal learning modalities: prosections, models, pathology specimens, skeletons, and others. Previous authors have highlighted that the modern medical curriculum already restricts students’ exposure to anatomy, and indeed this pandemic has further shortened the contact time current students have received. As a result, current anatomy students are being taught anatomy without access to practical-based learning materials, be that cadavers, prosections, or models. Conclusion Whilst the educational disruption caused by the pandemic is clearly severe, it also presents an opportunity for pedagogical evolution and innovation. Here, I have offered a host of recommendations to those involved in anatomical education. The lasting impacts of the pandemic are still unknown, but the anatomical community has responded creatively and adaptively.