A cadaver workshop to teach medical procedures

A seminar and workshop were conducted to train students in the indications, techniques and hazards of common diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in general medicine. Cadavers were utilized to teach the techniques of thoracentesis, pleural biopsy, chest-tube insertion, bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, paracentesis, percutaneous liver biopsy and arthrocentesis. The use of cadavers was realistic and provided standardized instruction to each student. The method gave students an opportunity to become familiar with equipment, techniques, indications and hazards of each procedure prior to actual performance. It is readily adapted to a wide variety of additional procedures.