A course in gross anatomy, notes and comment, 1990

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Abstract
This paper documents and describes a contemporary course in gross anatomy, traditional in approach yet well‐suited to today's medical curriculum and practice. In so doing, it looks beyond the “course catalog” description of the curriculum into the complexities and rationale of the gross anatomical teaching program. The purpose and methods of the course, such as dissection of the entire body in a clinically‐relevant context, are examined. The value of the dissection process is discussed in terms of gaining anatomical knowledge, the team approach to learning and problem‐solving, and student‐faculty interactio at the dissection table. The significance of the dissection experience in terms of its often being the students' first encounter with death and serious pathology is recongnized and discussed in relationship to donor programs and the Convocation of Thanks. Comments on examination technique and stragety and examples of facilitating lectures and laboratory experinces are also included. In spite of its time‐tested rationale, we wonder if the continued quest for the grant dollar, the current penchant for computer‐aided instruction and curricular machinations, and—importantly—a dwindling supply of well‐trained anatomists, is relegating this type of gross anatomy course to the passing parade?