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Evolution of an Anatomy Based Integrated Curriculum
Author(s) -
Klement Brenda J.,
Paulsen Douglas F.,
Wineski Lawrence E.
Publication year - 2010
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.24.1_supplement.296.4
Subject(s) - curriculum , gross anatomy , grading (engineering) , core curriculum , dissection (medical) , medical education , curriculum mapping , mathematics education , computer science , medicine , anatomy , curriculum development , psychology , pedagogy , engineering , civil engineering
A current trend in medical education is weaving basic science course content into an integrated curriculum. Our anatomy course, with regional dissection at its core, serves as the backbone for integrating our entire first year medical curriculum. The second phase of this faculty‐led task has centered upon a re‐assignment of course boundaries. Historical courses have been interwoven into a curriculum now composed of four courses, each spanning a quarter of the academic year. These courses are equal in credit hours and approximate time allotment and anatomy remains the centerpiece of each. Establishment of a curriculum management team, including course directors, subject specialists and a curriculum director, has resulted in smooth, efficient and transparent curriculum administration. Use of standardized subject exams has been preserved, but debate about how and in which course to apply the scores have resulted in a complex grading system. Electronic exam delivery has simplified the entire exam process and made course management easier. Histology lab questions are included in the electronic exams, but the format of the gross anatomy practical exam and quizzes has been maintained with minor adjustments for station numbers. We expect the curriculum to continue evolving toward full integration, retaining full regional dissection as a core element. Supported in part by NIH PO3 1B040107 and G12‐RR03034.