Is inadequate anatomical knowledge on the part of physicians hazardous for successful clinical practice?

PURPOSE: The physicians say that the least anatomy is required for clinical practice. But the disease causes anatomical distortions or variations in structures impairing functions of organs and systems. So, the diagnosis and analysis of treatment of disease depend on interwoven inter-relationship among Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Radiology and clinical sciences. Consequently, the upcoming doctors are to be cultivated sufficient anatomy. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze viewpoints of medical students, faculties and practitioners regarding degree of need of Anatomy in clinical practice. METHODS: A feedback survey has been carried out among students and faculties to seek their views on the need of Anatomy in clinical practice using two hypotheses. Hypothesis 1 defines the degree of need of Anatomy (‘most essential’, ‘essential’ and ‘least essential’) in clinical practice based on answers of questionnaire by medical students and faculties, whereas hypothesis 2 assigns weights depending on knowledge and experience of the feedback providers. The means/weighted means of views have been statistically analyzed. Additionally, the literature survey was carried out on the demand, necessity, importance, usefulness and applicability of Anatomy in clinical practice. RESULTS: Our statistical analysis revealed that Anatomy is ‘most essential’ for clinical practice. In literature survey too, the inadequate knowledge of anatomy among medical students leads to poor comprehension of clinical practice. So, anatomy is most essential for clinical practice. CONCLUSION: Sound knowledge of Human Anatomy is most essential during medical practice for Physicians.