The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) is the professional home for more than 2,000 students, teachers, and practitioners of the anatomical sciences.

AAA is a tax-exempt, nonprofit scientific organization founded in 1888. The organization is governed by bylaws, a strategic plan, and other guiding documents developed and adopted by the member-elected Board of Directors.

Our Mission

Advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development.

Our Vision

Inspiring scientific curiosity and discovery

 

Our Values

Community, Respect, Inclusion, Integrity, Discovery

 

Leadership

Volunteer leaders, invested in the future of the association and the anatomical sciences, are the backbone of AAA.

  • A 14-person Board of Directors is chosen by the membership, with elections occurring each January.
  • Standing and ad hoc committees take on specific roles and tasks to advance those initiatives.

    • All Board and committee members are volunteer leaders serving varying terms. Learn about all the opportunities to get involved with the Association, contribute to advancing the anatomical sciences, and expand your leadership skills.

    Meet the Board of Directors »

    Advocacy

    By advocating for (or against) legislative policy, the Association works to protect and preserve the interests of members.

    Communicating with policymakers is a key part of the strategic plan. Leadership and staff work regularly work with members and colleagues to effectively represent the profession through engagement with legislators, media, and the public. Whether crafting messages for print or meeting face-to-face with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, AAA works to ensure that members are equipped with messages that resonate.

    Read more »

    What is Anatomy?

    Anatomy is the study of the structure of living things – animal, human, plant – from microscopic cells and molecules to whole organisms as large as whales.

    Read more »

    Year in Review

    Each spring since 2014, AAA has published an annual impact report, or “Year in Review,” documenting the previous year’s accomplishments through the efforts of our members. Check out our latest YIR or download any previous year.

    CFAS

    AAA is a member of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Council of Faculty and Academic Societies (CFAS), the mechanism through which the faculty of medical colleges participates in AAMC governance.

    Representatives:
    Edgar Meyer, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (6/30/2024)
    Rebecca Lufler, Tufts University School of Medicine (6/30/2023)

    Governance

    The following documents guide our leadership, operations, and membership.

    Committees

    Standing (indicated below by *) and ad hoc committees give members the opportunity to take a deeper dive into specific areas of interest. Standing committees are required per the organization's bylaws. Committee chairs report directly to the Board of Directors, ensuring that the committee’s goals and objectives are in tune with the organization’s strategic plan.

    Staff

    AAA's day-to-day operations are supported by a professional staff.

    Contact Us »

    6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 725 
    Rockville, MD 20852
    301-634-7910
    [email protected]

    FASEB

    As an organizational member of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), AAA is also part of a coalition of independent societies that play an active role in advocating for the interests of biomedical and life scientists to Congress and other scientific bodies.

    Board of Directors: Andrea Taylor, Touro University (2020-2024)

    DataWorks! Advisory Committee: Parker Antin, University of Arizona - Tucson (2021-2023)
    Excellence in Science Award Committee: Tina Tootle, University of Iowa (2019-2025)
    Leadership Development Committee: Joseph Yost, University of Utah (2021-2024) 
    Science Policy Committee: Joseph Yost, University of Utah (2019-2025)