Cadaver‐based case studies increase the value and utility of cadaver dissection in medical education

• Published in: The FASEB journal 2006-03, Vol.20 (4), p.A436-A436
• Main Authors: Eckel, Christine M, Clayton, Frederic, Szakacs, Juliana G, Ash, John F, Albertine, Kurt H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0892-6638; 1530-6860
• DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.20.4.A436

In 2003, we launched a teaching innovation, the “cadaver autopsy,” for the purpose of integrating the gross anatomy, histology, and pathology courses for first‐year medical students. The initial impact of the cadaver autopsy project was greater interaction among students, anatomy faculty, and pathology faculty within one course. Greater impacts have been enhanced recognition of the value and utility of cadaver dissection and use of microscopes for teaching anatomy and pathology. The greater impacts came about by developing case studies around the cadaver autopsies, about which the students wrote 2‐page essays. The case studies were developed while students dissected cadavers in gross anatomy, during which we photographed anatomy and pathology, and subsequently added photographs of the corresponding histology and histopathology of the excised tissue specimens. We used the photographs and student autopsy essays to create case studies for presentation in the first‐year pathology course. Case studies included cerebral stroke, metastatic lung cancer, myocardial infarction, subdural hematoma with associated uncal herniation, and a systemic view of the consequences of obesity. We conclude that cadaver‐based studies expand educational opportunities and the value of cadaver dissection. [Supported by Departments of Neurobiology & Anatomy and Pathology, and the Medical Scholars Program at the UofU]