The Anatomy Training Programme (ATP) – What Have We Learnt?

Abstract

The ATP, run by the Anatomical Society and the American Association of Anatomists to train young scientists in anatomy, began in 2008. Six successful years later, 26 trainees have completed part or all of the ATP. It consists of 4 modules (limbs, trunk, head and neck, and neuroanatomy) completed over 2 years. Study is undertaken by trainees in their home institution, with a local mentor to support their learning. The year culminates in the highly rated residential school at the University of Oxford. The course now has a strong emphasis on reflective learning, with each trainee submitting a monthly journal to a tutor from the ATP management team, who reviews the journal, answers any questions, and performs a monitoring role. This process is a more recent development, since it became obvious early on that the trainees needed someone to communicate with in order to share their experiences or problems. This reflective element can be problematic for some trainees, but easy for others. Putting learning into practice through a variety of activities (teaching students, anatomical dissection, or question writing) has been key to producing a good portfolio. Another innovation from the original ATP design has been to provide greater flexibility for trainees, allowing them to take only one module per year to fit with work commitments or personal preference. This has allowed technical anatomy staff, whose job is primarily to produce prosections, to gain recognition for their learning. The programme is not easy; many new anatomy lecturers struggle to balance the needs of their academic post and the time required to study anatomy to a level sufficient to teach. However, completion of the ATP is rewarding!