Role of Living and Surface Anatomy in Current Trends of Medical Education

medicine, anatomy, education, medical,

Teaching and learning of anatomy have greatly transformed in last two decades. Innovations in medical education, like integrated curricula and inclusion of PBL were considered to be responsible for the decline in anatomy learning. Allocated time for anatomy teaching has reduced in medical schools in last two decades across the world. Living and surface anatomy facilitates students in developing skills for future clinicians. Some educationist considered it to be main teaching tool for learning anatomy as a replacement of dissection based cadaveric anatomy. Innovations in medical technology and reduced allocated time paved the way for implementing teaching methodologies e.g., body painting, peer physical examination, medical imaging and virtual anatomy softwares in teaching and learning of living and surface anatomy. This article focuses on reviewing the historical background and current trends in teaching and learning of living and surface anatomy with special emphasis upon its pedagogical aspects also some views of medical educationists. It also compares pros and cons of various teaching methodologies used in learning of living and surface anatomy, emphasizing on challenges faced in its pedagogy. Finally, it concludes that living and surface anatomy should be considered as an integral part of the curriculum. Inclusion and implementation of teaching and learning strategies, such as body painting, peer physical examination, medical imaging and virtual anatomy softwares will enhance learning of living and surface anatomy in an integrated and relevant framework.

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