Expressing the Complexities of the Student-Cadaver Relationship Through Visual Artwork

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Human Anatomy
• Art Therapy

Background:

• Physician assistant (PA) students encounter death early in training via cadaver dissection in gross anatomy labs.
• Cadaveric dissection is crucial for developing anatomical knowledge essential for medical practice.
• Learners experience complex emotions toward cadavers, necessitating skills for managing personal responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the use of student-created art in memorial ceremonies for cadavers.
• To examine how artistic expression facilitates emotional processing for PA students.
• To highlight the value of art in honoring cadaveric teachers and developing professional skills.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of student artwork and artist statements into a cadaver memorial ceremony at a New England PA program.
• Analysis of four selected artworks and their accompanying statements.
• Qualitative assessment of shared sentiments expressed by students.

Main Results:

• Student artwork and statements revealed themes of reflection, awe, appreciation, and humanity.
• Art provided a medium for students to process their experiences with cadavers.
• Diverse artistic expressions shared a common emotional resonance.

Conclusions:

• Artistic processing of cadaver experiences can aid PA students in emotional regulation.
• Creating art for memorial ceremonies offers a way to honor cadaveric teachers.
• Artistic engagement may foster enduring coping mechanisms for medical professionals.