Anatomy integration blueprint: a 4th year musculoskeletal anatomy elective model (343.5)

Abstract

Medical school curricular trends focus on an increase in basic science education in clinical years. This vertical integration is difficult and poorly reported in the literature. We have outlined a course wherein the primary learning objective is to integrate anatomy knowledge with clinical education. This course has a foundation in adult learning theories and was developed through collaboration by a multi‐specialist course development team, composed of both basic scientists and physicians. The course developers utilized current published reports regarding the areas of clinical care relying heavily on anatomy knowledge. The course focuses on the role of anatomy in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. This iterative implementation and research approach to course development has yielded a curricular template for anatomy integration into clinical years. Positive findings included: Clinical anatomy curriculum can be developed which is applicable to multiple future specialties, faculty enthusiasm and investment in course objectives impacts course effectiveness, providing multiple learning approaches enhances the educational experience, communication between specialists is an important course component and that having the student perform as the teacher enhances learning and student enjoyment. This work serves to enhance current methods of anatomy integration.