Assessing the cultural beliefs of medical students: impact on the cadaveric dissection experience in the gross anatomy laboratory

Abstract

It is well established that cadaver dissection offers a beneficial learning experience to medical students in gross anatomy courses. Although researchers have sought to identify different learning styles in the dissection lab among students of various nationalities, no study has addressed the specific question of how a student's cultural identity or beliefs play a role in the emotional aspect of cadaver dissection.The purpose of this study is to examine the emotional impact of cadaver dissection across cultures and whether this impact affects the learners or learning experience. This is a quantitative/qualitative study targeting first year medical students of various cultural backgrounds partaking in cadaveric dissection. Students will be recruited via e‐mail and will complete an online survey.Based on preliminary oral responses, a relationship between students’ cultural identities and unique experiences in the gross anatomy laboratory was reported.This study will help medical educators understand the student learning experience of cadaveric dissection as it relates to cultural identity and will facilitate the preparation of students for the dissecting room experience.Grant Funding Source: N/A