Integration of Gross Anatomy Laboratory Sessions into Medical Physics Curriculum

Gross anatomy laboratory sessions with hands-on activities using specimens are essential for teaching anatomy in the medical field. However, they are not seen in medical physics programs. The objective of this pilot study at McGill University was to explore the educational potential of integrated gross anatomy laboratory sessions tailored to the medical physics curriculum.

The study included 21 medical physics and 11 radiation oncology participants. It was conducted over four 2-h laboratory sessions on pelvic, thoracic, and head and neck anatomy. A radiotherapy applicator device and augmented reality tools were brought in to focus on radiological anatomy and radiation therapy. Students' lab experiences were evaluated through post-laboratory surveys using a mixed methodology. Qualitative data from short-answer questions were analyzed using an inductive coding approach. Quantitative data from Likert scale questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics.

All participants reported gross anatomy laboratory sessions as a superior method of learning anatomy compared with a single didactic course (mean Likert: 4.38; median = 5; SD = 0.74). Participants also expressed greater comfort with radiological anatomy and the lab environment with gradual exposure from pelvic prosections to full-body cadavers. Lastly, all participants showed enthusiasm for multidisciplinary activities.

Carefully designed gross anatomy laboratory sessions were very well received by medical physics students as they transition into a clinical role in healthcare. This pilot study serves as a foundation for future studies exploring anatomical education in medical physics. These sessions will continue to be offered at our school and could be adopted also by other medical physics departments in their courses.