Anatomy Education: Longitudinal by Design

Reinforcement of knowledge through repetitive exposure to information helps to solidify learning. At the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine this has been accomplished by creating a truly longitudinal approach to anatomy education. Following an in depth case‐directed program in anatomy education during the first year, students have the opportunity to review and strengthen their knowledge of anatomy, using the same case‐directed format, during each organ system course in the second year. Additionally, second year students are given the opportunity, on a voluntary basis, to help the fellows/residents prepare the prosections for the new first year students and for their review of anatomy in the second year. This provides students with a dissection experience if they are interested. During the third year, anatomy is reinforced in the Basic Core I rotation. In this clinical rotation, consisting of clinical work in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine and Surgery, anatomy is reviewed using prosected cadavers in two half‐day sessions. As with the preparation of the prosections used in the first and second years, students are given the opportunity to assist the fellows/residents during these dissections. During the student's final year, clinical/surgical anatomy electives are offered. These electives are designed in discussions involving the medical student and the Director of Anatomy. Thus, the program in anatomy at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine uses a longitudinal approach in which knowledge is reinforced and strengthened throughout the entire curriculum.