Anatomy correlations: introducing clinical skills to improve performance in anatomy.
OBJECTIVE
Gross anatomy is one of the preclinical cornerstones of medical education, but many practitioners feel that medical students' knowledge of anatomy is inadequate. To help students understand the clinical relevance of anatomy studies, Ohio State University faculty developed a course called "Anatomy Correlations." This course introduces students to basic physical examination techniques correlated to gross anatomy dissections and allows them to practice techniques learned.


METHODS
Anatomy grades prior to the introduction of the course were compared with anatomy grades after the introduction of the course to see if the course improved knowledge of gross anatomy. Analysis controlled for initial differences in academic aptitude.


RESULTS
Students taking the course in its new form scored higher in anatomy than did students taking anatomy before the course was offered.


CONCLUSIONS
Introducing physical examination skills that correlate with anatomy studies can lead to improvement in anatomy scores.
Dusseau
Joseph
J
Department of Family Medicine, Ohio State University, 504 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, USA. joseph.dusseau@osumc.edu
Knutson
Doug
D
Way
David
D
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D013337:Students, Medical; D014481:United States