Clinically Applied Anatomy: An Impactful Initiative in the Evolution of Medical Education

Today, medical education emphasizes clinical applications of anatomic knowledge. In 2014, we instituted Clinically Applied Anatomy (CAA) within first-year Human Gross Anatomy at our university. The course was designed and overseen by academic plastic surgery. We hypothesized CAA would positively impact students' understanding, performance, and interest in human anatomy.

From 2014 to 2018, 13 CAA case-based didactics were integrated into the anatomy curriculum without changing the total anatomy-related student hours; each emphasized the clinical relevance of overlooked (or memorized) anatomic detail. Clinically Applied Anatomy instructors led associated clinical cadaver dissections. Upon course completion, students from each participating class were anonymously surveyed.

One hundred sixty-four students completed the survey (75% response). Eighty-six percent reported CAA increased mastery of human anatomy, 77% stated CAA improved examination performance, 87% agreed CAA increased interest in anatomy itself, and 96% reported CAA increased their critical thinking of how understanding anatomy affects clinical care. Nearly half (49.4%) responded that CAA increased interest in applying for a procedurally oriented residency. When considering future integration of CAA into the medical school curriculum, 9% of students wanted less CAA, 61% wanted the same, and 30% wanted more.

Clinically Applied Anatomy significantly impacts medical students' anatomy education. Currently, 17 CAA faculty from 7 departments/divisions participate in all 26 of our school's anatomy sessions. As per our institution, we advocate this cost-effective and impactful initiative be led by academic plastic surgeons. These clinicians possess broad and specialized anatomic expertise as well as the leadership and interdisciplinary working relationships needed to enroll a multidisciplinary team of clinical educators.