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International anatomy partnerships ‐ Results of international student basic sciences internships initiated via the anatomy course
Author(s) -
Wu Anette,
Kieff Monica,
Noel Geoffroy,
Wingate Richard,
Kielstein Heike,
Sakurai Takeshi,
Viranta-Kovanen Suvi,
Chien Chung-Liang,
Traxler Hannes,
Waschke Jens,
Vielmuth Franziska,
Sagoo Mandeep Gill,
Kitahara Shuji,
Keay Kevin,
Olsen Jorgen,
Bernd Paulette
Publication year - 2020
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.2020.34.s1.00516
Subject(s) - internship , internationalization , medical education , general partnership , biological sciences , psychology , medicine , political science , biology , law , economics , microeconomics , computational biology
Anatomists, as scientists, are a great resource for medical students’ scientific research interests. Recently, a new role for the Anatomy course in internationalization of medical education has emerged. Here we report on student experiences from international basic sciences research internships that were initiated via the anatomy course – combining two educational aspects of anatomy: the basic sciences and internationalization of medical education. Material and Methods A multi‐directional basic sciences research interchange was initiated as part of an international exchange program that is based on an international partnership of 13 anatomy departments. 200 preclinical medical students initially participated in an online international exchange segment, before embarking on optional basic sciences internships abroad. Based on students’ preferences, anatomy faculty at 13 international medical schools worked together on sourcing and student placement into basic sciences laboratories. Areas of research included a wide range of topics (e.g., immunology, genetics, tissue engineering, diabetes research, etc). At two time points (i.e., before and after travel), a questionnaire with multiple‐choice questions, Likert scales, and open‐ended questions, assessed the students’ learning experience qualitatively. Results A total of 82 students participated in international travel during 2019. As of now, 51 have completed the pre travel questionnaire and 26 the post travel questionnaire. Almost all of the partner schools sent and received students. Students improved both their understanding of the basic sciences and their basic sciences research skills, formed networks for future collaboration, and experienced an international cultural interchange. The majority of students felt that the basic sciences experience was important for their careers, and they wished to continue their involvement. Discussion Anatomy courses can foster a student’s interest in science and research, and introduce an international component to basic science experiences as study abroad programs. Providing international basic sciences research opportunities expands research options for students, including in areas of interest that are not available at the home institution, provides a baseline for future collaboration and helps students becoming leaders outside of their home institution.