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Assigned cadaver rotations enhance learning and collaboration in gross anatomy
Author(s) -
Sprunger Leslie K
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a887
Subject(s) - cadaver , dissection (medical) , session (web analytics) , gross anatomy , class (philosophy) , medicine , cadaveric spasm , medical education , anatomy , psychology , computer science , artificial intelligence , world wide web
Traditionally, dissection‐based anatomy courses assign a student or group of students to a cadaveric specimen. Students then proceed with a series of prescribed dissection exercises on that one specimen for the duration of the course. At the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, we have introduced a system of rotating cadaver assignments such that a given group of students studies a different specimen in each laboratory session. Based on the assessments of participating faculty and collection of survey data from three consecutive class cohorts, the cadaver rotation system has several important benefits. 1) Students review material in lab more frequently. Since students are presented with a different cadaver each session, at least a brief review is required to orient to the new specimen before they can proceed with the dissection. 2) The overall quality of the specimens is improved. Less skilled dissectors see examples of better work and strive to improve their skills to match that of their peers. Virtually all students are conscious of preparing material that others will be studying. 3) Students develop a much better understanding of normal anatomical variation. 4) The system helps foster a sense of the course as a collaborative effort, as the cadavers come to be viewed as a collective resource for the entire class. In both veterinary and human medicine, it is a central principle that students respect and appreciate the contribution of the cadavers to their education. The use of a rotation system has not led to a devaluing of the cadavers; on the contrary, the students’ perceptions are broadened to an appreciation that all of the cadavers make an essential contribution not just to their own education, but that of their colleagues as well.