Learning Beyond the Basics of Cadaveric Dissection: a Qualitative Analysis of Non-academic Learning in Anatomy Education

Rapidly advancing technologies have undeniably altered how medical education is taught; the anatomy lab is no exception. With a recent shift away from traditional cadaveric dissection and towards technology-based learning methods, medical educators are left wondering what students learn beyond the basics of anatomy during their course of human dissection. Especially considering the recent dramatic changes to the way medical education is conducted in the new era of a global pandemic, we must ensure students are not missing learning experiences that are critical to their development as future physicians. What are students gaining from cadaveric dissection that they otherwise could not gain from technology-based learning alone? Thematic qualitative analysis was used to review surveys collected from four anatomy classes over a two-year period; line-by-line coding of the surveys was then arranged into themes representative of specific learning experiences gained uniquely from human dissection. These themes demonstrated evidence of professional identity formation, self-reflection, and building teamwork skills; importantly, many students demonstrated a shift in thinking about their cadaver as less of a tool and more of a patient, which allowed them to generalize their experience in lab towards their future careers in medicine. These unique learning experiences cannot be replicated with technology-based learning alone. While cadaveric dissection may play a smaller role in the future of medical education, we must ensure we continue to provide students with learning experiences that are critical to their development as medical providers, especially if these experiences go beyond the anatomy basics.