Assessing the Educational Impact of Dissection Competitions on Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy
• Competency-Based Learning

Background:

• Dissection competitions integrate traditional dissection with competitive, problem-based learning.
• This novel approach aims to create a more stimulating and engaging learning environment.
• The study evaluates the educational impact of these competitions on first-year MBBS students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the educational impact of dissection competitions.
• To assess the enhancement of anatomical knowledge and understanding.
• To determine the development of critical skills among medical students.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involving 158 first-year MBBS students at AIIMS Kalyani.
• Quantitative data collected via Google Form questionnaires assessing satisfaction and learning outcomes.
• Qualitative data gathered through open-ended responses for deeper insights.

Main Results:

• Dissection competitions significantly enhance students' understanding of anatomical concepts.
• The competitive and collaborative format fosters critical skills: teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
• Students reported positive overall satisfaction and perceived learning benefits.

Conclusions:

• Integrating dissection competitions into the medical curriculum is beneficial.
• These competitions effectively enhance anatomy education and develop essential medical practice skills.
• Findings offer valuable insights for medical educators seeking innovative teaching methods.