English

Abstract

BACKGROUND The objectives of the present study were to evaluate first- year medical student’s behaviours, experiences, and emotions regarding cadaver dissection. The evaluation was performed during the 2017-2018 academic year, six months after starting the dissection course. METHODS A questionnaire was administered to a group of 150 first-year medical students at Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore. For each question the students responded “Yes,” “No”, or “Undecided”. Statistical analysis was performed after collection of the questionnaire responses. RESULTS The results showed 95% students agreed that cadaver dissection provided the best and easiest way to study anatomy. Also, 90% were excited during their first visit to the dissection hall, and 79% were satisfied that dissection of a cadaver was ethically acceptable. The majority of the students around 90% declared that dissection of a cadaver was the best one. CONCLUSIONS Dissection is still considered by several doctors as a valuable source of learning anatomy. However, the future of teaching anatomy does not depend on any single method. It is, in fact, the right combination of all available resources and using them in an interactive way that maximizes outcomes. KEY WORDS Behaviours; Cadaveric Dissection; Medical Students; Ethical.