By Keely Cassidy, PhD, MS
Integrated curricula are becoming increasingly popular in contemporary medical education internationally, wherein multiple subject areas are taught in an interdisciplinary manner to promote a holistic understanding of medicine and the human body (Brauer & Ferguson, 2015). The anatomical sciences are no exception. In a survey of U.S. allopathic medical school anatomical science course directors in academic year 2016-2017, it was reported that inclusion of anatomy disciplines in a partially or fully integrated curriculum increased by greater than 100% compared to the same survey from academic year 2012-2013 (McBride & Drake, 2018; Drake, McBride & Pawlina, 2014). Teaching the anatomical sciences in such a format can present unique challenges and opportunities. This article provides tips for teaching the anatomical sciences effectively and efficiently within an integrated curriculum.
1. Align with the Curriculum
The first step in teaching anatomy in an integrated curriculum is to ensure alignment with the overall vision of the curriculum. Understand the learning objectives, intended outcomes, and competencies at the level of the course or block, phase, and program, and identify where the anatomical sciences best fit. Regularly assess learners' understanding of anatomical concepts via formative and summative assessments mapped to the appropriate objectives. Follow the formative assessments with constructive feedback that provides learners with continual guidance. This alignment will help emphasize the most relevant anatomical concepts within the scope of the curriculum and ensure that your teaching contributes to the broader educational goals.
2. Foster Interdisciplinary Connections
An integrated curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning. Collaborate with faculty from other disciplines such as physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine to design lessons and assessments that highlight the interconnectedness of these subjects. Emphasizing how anatomy relates to other fields will deepen learners' understanding and prepare them for real-world medical practice; explicitly demonstrating how to form these connections will train learners how to make them independently in the future.
3. Promote Active Learning
Incorporate active learning strategies to engage students effectively. Dissection in the anatomy laboratory and analysis of histological slides are popular traditional methods, but application of the anatomical sciences should not stop there. Vertical integration in medical education is the integration of basic science and clinical components throughout the program. Try using problem- and team-based learning, case studies, and hands-on activities such as point of care ultrasonography or patient simulations to encourage students to apply their anatomical knowledge in clinical scenarios. Active learning not only enhances retention but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
4. Emphasize Clinical Relevance
Highlight the clinical relevance of the anatomical sciences. Students in an integrated curriculum are more likely to stay engaged when they can see how the material directly applies to patient care. Incorporate clinical cases, radiological images, and real-world examples to illustrate the importance of anatomical knowledge in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Some ways to approach this include: ask clinical colleagues for feedback, review clinical skills curricular components (e.g., physical exam), utilize electronic clinical resources to search for terms you teach (e.g., UpToDate), and consult learning resources for the clinically applied version of your discipline (e.g., neurology for neuroanatomy, perinatology for embryology, histopathology for microscopic anatomy).
5. Monitor Technology and Educational Advances
Finally, keep abreast of advancements in anatomy education and medical practice – prudent advice regardless of the status of curricular integration at your institution. Medicine is an evolving field, and staying up to date ensures that you provide students with the most relevant and accurate information. Leverage technology (e.g., virtual anatomy software, interactive apps) to supplement traditional techniques, and seek out resources that intentionally integrate such as apps that include medical imaging alongside interactive three-dimensional models, especially images from multiple patients to emphasize anatomical variation.
Teaching anatomy in an integrated curriculum is a rewarding experience when approached with the right strategies. By aligning with the curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary connections, promoting active learning, emphasizing clinical relevance, and monitoring technology and educational advances, educators can equip future medical professionals with a solid foundation in anatomy that will serve them throughout their careers. And remember that constant undercurrents of flexibility, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement are key to successfully teaching the anatomical sciences in an integrated modern medical curriculum.
Citations:
Brauer, D.G. & Ferguson, K.J. (2015). The integrated curriculum in medical education: AMEE Guide No. 96. Medical Teacher, 37(4), 312-322.
McBride J.M. & Drake R.L. (2018). National survey on anatomical sciences in medical education. Anatomical Sciences Education, 11(1), 7-14.
Drake R.L., McBride J.M. & Pawlina W. (2014). An update on the status of anatomical sciences education in United States medical schools. Anatomical Sciences Education, 7(4), 321-325.