What problem was addressed? There has been a decline in the time devoted to instruction on anatomy in medical schools, especially with the introduction of system-based learning. This lack of teaching has been cited as having negative implications with regard to patient safety. 1 In response to the challenge of integrating anatomy into a system-based curriculum, we introduced a flipped classroom (FCR) format with videos for the musculoskeletal block (MSB) of the curriculum, with the goals of: (i) making anatomy clinically relevant, (ii) using classroom time for group problem solving and investigation of clinical vignettes, and (iii) promoting understanding rather than rote memory of anatomy. Below, we discuss our mistakes, successes and insights when implementing the FCR in the MSB. What was tried? We constructed videos with an average length of 35-40 minutes for each anatomical region (upper extremity and lower extremity), describing each muscle, its function and its clinical correlation. Students viewed the videos prior to the class and completed a quiz at the beginning of each classroom session to assess their knowledge of the basic information contained in the video. We measured student satisfaction in a post-FCR session questionnaire at the end of the MSB, in which students compared the standard lecture format with the FCR and provided suggestions for improvement. What lessons were learned? Student responses to our questionnaire noted that the video sessions were too long, showing a preference for 20-minute videos instead. Initially, we presented all the muscles, which took time away from teaching. To ameliorate this issue, we now focus on muscle groups rather than individual muscles, allowing for a better understanding of functional anatomy. Moreover, originally we attempted to use clinical correlations in the video to illustrate key points. We used similar correlations during the classroom sessions and many students viewed the video and classroom sessions as redundant; presently, we include clinical correlations only in classroom discussions. We learned that it was more useful to focus on fewer clinical cases than to cover many superficially and equally important to separate distinct anatomical areas into different FCR sessions. For example, at first we incorporated the topic of the brachial plexus in the upper extremity video, but now we have a separate session for the brachial plexus itself.In the early stages of the FCR we asked students open-ended questions, but we often received responses from the same few students. To address this problem, we transitioned to using board-like questions to simulate USMLE Step 1 and promote discussion of correct and incorrect answers. To encourage more participation, we will use an electronic polling system. This system will give us feedback with regard to areas of weakness that require more attention.Additionally, students received 2 points (out of a possible 200 in the course) if they achieved ≥75% in the in-class quiz. Students asserted that this gave them enough inc...
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