"Theatrum anatomicum" -- a revived teaching facility in gross anatomy

Because of a new legislation concerning fees for study in Germany, novel financial opportunities for improvement of medical education have been provided. Some of these additional funds were invested at Ulm University in the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology to realize a teaching operating theatre similar to the ancient anatomical theatre in an amazingly short period of time. The anatomical theatre is a unique teaching facility in Germany, a direct implementation of joint preclinical and clinical education in the medical curriculum as required by the new Federal Medical Licensing Regulations (Approbationsordnung). It was set up in January of 2008. In this teaching operating theatre students and doctors will meet to study anatomical structures. In a simulated operating setting, surgeons will demonstrate invasive procedures and operative techniques on donated bodies. About 50 students can be positioned on a grandstand at a short distance to the operating table to follow the "operation" or anatomical demonstrations. Students can also learn how to behave in a sterile environment before they are actually confronted with this new situation during their first clinical clerkship. The anatomical theatre is supposed to be integrated in preclinical and clinical medical education as well as in advanced professional education for suitable sub-specialties. We are confident that the anatomical theatre will further improve students' motivation and their efforts in gaining knowledge in the field of gross anatomy because of its clinical relevance.