From ancient to avant‐garde: a review of traditional and modern multimodal approaches to surgical anatomy education

Abstract

The landscape of surgical anatomy education is progressively changing. Traditional methods, such as cadaveric dissection and didacticism are being increasingly phased out in undergraduate courses for multimodal approaches incorporating problem-based learning, radiology and computer-based simulations. Although effective at clinically contextualizing and integrating anatomical information, these approaches may be a poor substitute for fostering a grasp of foundational 'pure' anatomy. Dissection is ideal for this purpose and hence remains the cornerstone of anatomical education. However, novel methods and technological advancements continually give way to adjuncts such as cadaveric surgery, three-dimensional printing, virtual simulation and live surgical streaming, which have demonstrated significant efficacy alone or alongside dissection. Therefore, although divergent paradigms of 'new versus old' approaches have engulfed and divided the community, educators should seek to integrate the ancient and avant-garde to comprehensively satisfy all of the modern anatomy learner's educational needs.

Effects of Commemorations and Postdonation Services on Public Willingness to Donate Bodies in China

“…Donated whole bodies are indispensable not only for dissection and laboratory coursework in medical schools in China, but also for medical research (Zhang et al, ). In some medical schools, donated whole bodies are frequently used to teach clinically oriented anatomy, procedures such as minimally invasive surgery, and other surgical approaches (Hong et al, ; Hu et al, ).…”

“…A variety of solutions have been posed in order to resolve the ongoing issue of insufficient supply of specimens for dissection. In many schools, PowerPoint presentations, anatomical atlases, images, models, and three-dimensional virtual simulations are used to teach anatomy when there is an insufficient supply of dissection material (Winkelmann, 2007;Peterson and Mlynarczyk, 2016;Deng et al, 2018;Hu et al, 2018). Nevertheless, human models or computer simulations provide only a vicarious experience of the human body and are considered merely a beneficial supplement for anatomy courses (Peterson and Mlynarczyk, 2016;Hu et al, 2018).…”

“…In many schools, PowerPoint presentations, anatomical atlases, images, models, and three-dimensional virtual simulations are used to teach anatomy when there is an insufficient supply of dissection material (Winkelmann, 2007;Peterson and Mlynarczyk, 2016;Deng et al, 2018;Hu et al, 2018). Nevertheless, human models or computer simulations provide only a vicarious experience of the human body and are considered merely a beneficial supplement for anatomy courses (Peterson and Mlynarczyk, 2016;Hu et al, 2018). Cadaveric dissection remains popular among medical students because it is a superior educational tool for providing learners with a firsthand knowledge of the human body (Prakash et al, 2007;Korf et al, 2008).…”

Team‐based anatomy learning for medical students: preparing tomorrow's surgeons

“…2 Many implications may result from this, such as increasing medical errors, poorer patient outcomes, reduced confidence in practicing medicine among junior staff and a decreasing interest in a surgical career path among graduates. 3,4 Furthermore, a decline in the amount and quality of anatomy teaching in medical schools may leave graduates ill-prepared for future examinations, such as the generic surgical sciences examination. 5 Given the concerns that have been expressed by medical students, surgical supervisors and the general community, the need to improve students' knowledge in anatomy has become more imperative than ever.…”

“…1,2 Many student-led surgical societies have been established to increase positive surgical experiences, foster interest and provide insights into surgical careers, and promote the development of technical and non-technical surgical skills. Twenty-four student surgical societies exist at universities across Australasia, representing over 20 000 students, 3,4 and play a critical role in running surgical skills workshops, academic seminars, mentoring programmes and other events. [5][6][7] These societies initially worked largely in isolation, with little sharing of ideas and resources.…”