Cadavers as Educators: an Innovative Approach to Health Behavior and Preventable Disease Education

Abstract

ObjectiveCadavers as Educators maximizes body donors' educational potential by using medical students (MS) to teach a hands‐on curriculum that increases high school students (HSS) understanding of preventable chronic disease and health behaviors, and provides health careers information.MethodsAfter a MCW tour and intro to the anatomy lab, groups of 3 HSS rotate through thorax, abdomen, extremities and brain curriculum stations staffed by MS. Then, a multidisciplinary panel addresses HSS questions about health careers. Pre‐ and post‐tests are used for curriculum evaluation. HSS complete a confidential survey of their experience using open‐ended questions. A qualitative analysis of the HSS responses using standard methodology identifies themes. MS complete a survey about their experience, and chaperones of the HSS evaluate MS as teachers for internal validity.ResultsShort term outcomes for HSS included “better understanding” (69%) and “very positive experience” (63%), long term outcomes included “influence future/career” (44%), “influenced health perception/choices” (50%) and “shared learning with others” (84%), and pre and post tests indicated curriculum increased anatomical and health behavior knowledge. MS teaching skills were improved and anatomical knowledge was reinforced. 
 ConclusionsThis novel program optimizes educational value of body donors. It influenced health behavior perceptions and encouraged HSS to share knowledge, and may impact health professions recruitment. Educational impact of body donors on MS is seen through enhancing teaching skills and solidifying anatomical knowledge. Future studies will include health behavior impact and will include rural and urban HSS. 
 Website www.cadavereducators.org