Eur J Anat, 24 (2): 141-154 (2020)

Small team-based medical imaging of human cadavers: an innovative tool for interdisciplinary learning inHuman Gross Anatomy andRadiologic Sciences

Ernest F. Talarico, Jr.^1A , Scott D. Painter^2B

¹Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, ²Department of Surgery, ^AIndiana University School of Medicine-Northwest, Gary, Indiana, ^BUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, Illinois

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to develop an in-terdisciplinary activity that merged the disciplines of human gross anatomy and radiology early in the educational process of doctors and radiographers allowing students to use human cadavers to learn anatomy and medical imaging (technique and in-terpretation) through small-group problem-solving sessions. Over 10 years, 734 student doctors and radiographers were divided into small groups and assigned cadavers. Images of cadavers included x-rays, CT and MRI regional and full-body series. Students problem-solved radiographic parameters and interpreted images. Student radiographers completed a semester project labeling anatomical structures in a CT or MRI series. Student doctors used images during dissection and presented radi-ographic series to demonstrate understanding of anatomy, radiology and skilled use of image analy-sis software. Participants completed a 100-question LIKERT Scale survey. Data were ana-lyzed based on overall group, cadaver experience, and radiography experience. Students produced high-quality images for use in the laboratory andclassroom, and 95% agreed that this activity helped them to learn anatomy and radiography. Students agreed that x-rays, CT and MRI scans were 92.0%, 91.1% and 90.1% beneficial, respec-tively, in learning anatomy and radiology, and 90% of participants documented that this program had a positive impact in knowledge and competency de-velopment for his or her chosen career. Both radi-ography and medical students reported that work-ing on inter-professional teams enhanced their knowledge of anatomy and radiology and under-scored the importance of partnerships in healthcare. This program serves as a novel model for interdisciplinary team-based-learning of human anatomy and radiology.

Keywords: Anatomy â?? Radiology â?? Cadaver â?? Interdisciplinary learning â?? Small group â?? Team-based