Creation of Anatomy R & R Boot Camps

Abstract

Anatomy retention and recall (R & R) boot camps were created to further strengthen student's learning of clinically‐relevant gross anatomy. Three boot camps were given generally during a 2 week period prior to an anatomy practical. Importantly, the boot camps were spaced so students could self‐assess their level of anatomical knowledge and have time to review areas that they might be need more time to learn. The anatomy R & R boot camps replaced the traditional practice practical that usually was held the day before the anatomy practical, thereby, lessening the possibility that student could significantly increase their level of knowledge a day before a given practical. Each boot camp session was scheduled for 1 hour; students were asked to identify tagged structures at 25 stations during the first 30 minutes; students then had ~ 30 minutes to immediately review and gain feedback on what clues were used to identify a given structure. Students' perspective of the value of the anatomy R & R boot camps have been overwhelmingly positive. An online survey taken this past academic year by students in the first 3 years of training identified that the boot camps: 1) enhanced their recall and improved their retention (99% strongly agreed); 2) increased their confidence in their ability to identify structures and functions (81% strongly agreed); 3) facilitated their learning of anatomy (99% strongly agreed); and 4) provided feedback on their level of knowledge (88% strongly agreed). Qualitative data further confirmed the positive impact students placed on the boot camps. Although setting up individual boot camps was time‐intensive, the teaching faculty viewed the boot camps experiences as a means to further enrich students' knowledge base of anatomy.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.