Region vs. System-Based Anatomy: Efficacy and Implementation

Most basic medical science disciplines follow a system-based teaching module, including components of anatomy, such as microscopic and developmental anatomy.Gross anatomy’s transformation from a region-based to a system-based module is a natural transition that enables the building of a cohesive and integrated curricular experience and demonstrably enhances understanding of other basic science and clinical courses. This study is designed to address the efficacy and practicality of the system-based anatomy teaching module implemented at the University of South Florida/Morsani College of Medicine since 2006.As such, the overall impacts of this curricular change on student performance in anatomy, USMLEPart1 and part II, and on course rating were examined. It utilizes the concepts of spaced repetition and peer-to-peer teaching, enhancingleadership capabilities, and solidifying vertical and horizontal integration. To maximize its efficacy, this module was reinforced by the introduction of ultrasound-based, procedure-based and radiography-based anatomy teaching.We have demonstrated that a system-based anatomy is an efficient, dynamic teaching curriculum that offers asuccessful avenue for long-term retention, decreaseslearners’workload, strengthens understanding of the anatomical basis of disease processes, fosters the skills necessary to perform surgical procedures, and improves learners’ performance in both university and national exams.