Microscopic Anatomy and Pathology Laboratories: Design of an E‐Learning Atlas as an Evolving Response to Interdisciplinary Medical Curricular Needs

Abstract

Several institutions have integrated histology with other disciplines in team based laboratory approaches, but integration of histology and pathology instruction tools has been done to a lesser extent. Our aim was to develop an e‐learning atlas that integrates microanatomy and pathology laboratories for an interdisciplinary integrated medical curriculum. A multidisciplinary team is developing the online Microanatomy and Pathology Atlas (MAPA) (microanatomyatlas.com) that includes a library of histology and pathology images. Traditional laboratory manual instructions and study objectives are linked to specific labeled images that were made interactive to allow for self‐testing. Clinical case studies involving disease entities are being incorporated. Data is being collected on the number and frequency of medical students in the preclinical years using the atlas and a modified Likert‐style survey (1‐strongly agree to 4‐strongly disagree) is being used to assess student satisfaction and perceived learning. Preliminary data shows that 92%of students (score 1–2) would like to use the tool in the future, 62% strongly in favor (score 1). 92% of students (score 1–2) also stated they would advise their peers to use the MAPA. Data shows that the MAPA is positively correlated with material from lectures and is well suited for the level of student proficiency. In conclusion, MAPA is becoming an essential learning tool for students in our integrated curriculum at GWU‐SMHS.Support or Funding InformationSupported by AEIUCM