Next generation anatomy: integrating whole genome sequencing within the human anatomy curriculum (723.2)

Abstract

Advances in genomics have vastly outpaced clinical education in this area. To help address this problem, the UW has piloted the introduction of whole genome sequencing within our first year human anatomy course.Last year, thirteen first‐year medical students performed whole genome sequencing and analysis of a cadaver during the anatomy course. The patient expired with a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Students participated in a dissection of the cadaver, and a pathologist highlighted the anatomical changes resulting from the disease. Students then worked collaboratively to complete a ~45× whole genome sequence and then analyzed this patient’s genome using various bioinformatics tools. The analysis identified a variant in mucin‐encoding MUC5B that was recently associated with pulmonary fibrosis.A year later, these students presented their findings to small groups (<20 students) of the new first year students and discussed the patient’s clinical history, the results of the dissection and genome sequencing.Our experience demonstrated the value of introducing whole genome sequencing within anatomy as an early entry point for establishing genotype‐phenotype associations in medical education.Grant Funding Source: Funding provided by University of Washington MSTP