Utilizing Shared Virtual Microscopy Slides to Create Innovative Anatomical Science Resources in an Integrated Curriculum

Abstract

The shift towards integrated medical education curricula and digital imaging has transformed the teaching of histology, leading to new challenges and opportunities for the discipline (Drake et al, Anat Sci Educ 7:321–5, 2014). Educators face limited curricular time and support for histology laboratories, and a demand for integrated, interactive and clinically applied learning activities. Virtual microscope technology has already transformed the histology laboratory, providing a high quality and flexible alternative to microscopes. A shared virtual microscopy database provides a resource for educators that can be used to create customized content that can readily be adapted towards an integrated and applied curriculum.Drexel University College of Medicine is moving towards an integrated curriculum where much of the course content is delivered electronically. We utilize our University's virtual microscopy collection within our customized online independent‐learning modules. Slides have been annotated to demonstrate important structures so that students can learn on their own using independent learning modules. These are then supplemented with images from shared virtual microscope collections (for example University of Michigan and University of Iowa collections, and now numerous others via the Virtual Microscopy Database) as mystery slides in live sessions. Several examples of teaching modules and in‐class exercises that utilize shared microscopy resources will be demonstrated during this presentation. These include tutorials, review exercises and clinical application exercises integrating histology with gross anatomy, radiology, neuroscience and embryology, as well as pathology. Through the creation and use of these innovative resources we are able to ensure that histology remains the important bridge it always has been, providing a linkage between gross morphology, physiological function and the biochemical and molecular basis of disease.