The use of live models in the teaching of gross anatomy

Abstract

Live models were introduced into the first-year gross anatomy course to provide medical students with an opportunity to apply to the living person what they learned from cadaver dissection. After each major segment of the cadaver dissection, clinical correlation sessions were presented for the students by clinicians using live models for demonstration, examination and correlation. At the completion of the course, an evaluation questionnaire was given to students. Their response indicated that the new teaching technique made anatomy seem more relevant to clinical medicine than using cadavers alone. Live models were rated superior to using cadavers, especially in demonstrating superficial anatomical structures and landmarks. On the basis of student response it was concluded that this programme provided medical students with a unique introduction to living human anatomy.