The changing face of anatomy in the United States

Over the past decade, the discipline of anatomy has undergone significant changes in the United States. Some of these changes are specific to the discipline of anatomy; others reflect the evolution of the basic biomedical sciences; still others reflect societal changes in the United States. One of the most important trends is the homogenization of basic biomedical research, with scientists in many fields using very similar approaches. This trend is accompanied by an increasing disparity between what anatomy faculty teach and what they do in their research. American medical education is well into a major phase of curricular reform, with greater emphasis on self-learning and problem-oriented approaches. Nevertheless, there is currently a wide spectrum of educational approaches, ranging from very traditional disciplinary teaching to the complete abandonment of the traditional basic science disciplines in totally problem-oriented approaches. Along with the homogenization of basic biomedical research is a much greater intermingling of disciplines represented by new faculty members. Many new anatomy faculty (and faculty of other basic science departments, as well) have been trained in other disciplines. Because of this, they do not have the traditions or loyalty to their discipline of new faculty of previous eras; on the other hand, they introduce an element of "hybrid vigor" that is essential for the evolution of any discipline. Ph.D. programs themselves are increasingly becoming merged into common programs in American medical schools. Adapting to rapid change is the dominant theme in American medical education today.