At LSU Health Sciences Center, Fresh is Best

Abstract

At LSUHSC, fresh unembalmed cadaveric specimens are the best for enhancing the educational experiences of medical students, residents and practicing clinicians. Fresh cadaveric tissue closely mirrors that of the living patient. The appearance, texture and pliability of fresh tissues make them ideal for teaching anatomy and operative procedures at all levels of medical education. The proper presentation of these tissues requires following a set of specific procedures developed by the autopsy supervisor in the department. Fresh specimens have proven to be essential for successful implementation of vertical integration within our clinical anatomy teaching curriculum. Fresh is best for teaching first and second year medical students the anatomical basis of invasive clinical procedures, such as lumbar puncture, endotracheal intubation, thoracocentesis, Foley catheterization and basic suturing techniques. Clinical faculty and anatomists are able to combine efforts using fresh specimens to realistically demonstrate the anatomical basis of operative procedures in the different surgical subspecialties to fourth year medical students in a senior Surgical Anatomy Elective. In the LSUHSC "Center for Advanced Practice" fresh cadaveric specimens are best for hands‐on training of residents in different surgical techniques and for postgraduate continuing education courses for practicing clinicians held in conjunction with major physicians' organizations and medical technology companies. Responses by students and clinicians have been unanimous in proclaiming that such tissues provide an excellent and realistic learning experience.