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Teaching secular trends of human anatomy in a novel medical school module
Author(s) -
Rühli Frank,
Saniotis Arthur,
Henneberg Maciej
Publication year - 2013
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.27.1_supplement.960.12
Subject(s) - curriculum , human body , human anatomy , medical school , medical education , field (mathematics) , psychology , medicine , anatomy , pedagogy , mathematics , pure mathematics
Human anatomical structures show a wide range of variability. Also, secular trends of human anatomy (and pathology) have been frequently reported and are of foremost interest (e.g. for surgeons). However, the variability of human morphology is often neglected in traditional medical curricula. Recently, we presented our novel full semester medical school course on Evolutionary Medicine at the University of Adelaide. This elective course addressed the degree and impact of such secular trends. Evolutionary Medicine which addressees specifically the ongoing interactions of humans and the environment such as pathogens and climate, is a field of research and teaching of growing interest. Based on our own original data of recent temporal changes in human body structures – e.g. the prevalence of additional arteries or of spina bifida occulta ‐ such topics were addressed both in a classical lecture format, as well as, part of interactive seminars run by students. Students evaluated this course highly (median response 6 out of possible 7). Thus it is planned to also teach this course at other Medical Schools. Teaching secular trends of human anatomy is not only an important part of the novel field of Evolutionary Medicine but of upmost importance for the understanding of the human body for both, medical students and clinicians. Grant Funding Source : N/A