A new syllabus for teaching anatomy in medical schools has been launched today by the Anatomical Society, published in the Journal of Anatomy.
BSMS Head of Anatomy Dr Claire Smith led the project along with Dr Gabrielle Finn from Hull York Medical School and Dr Jane Stewart and Prof Stephen McHanwell both from Newcastle University.
“A detailed understanding of human anatomy remains the cornerstone of modern medical training,” said Dr Smith, who is also Chair of the Education Committee of the Anatomical Society. “The new syllabus, devised by a panel of 39 practising doctors, surgeons and anatomists, details specific anatomical knowledge that doctors require in order to safely practice medicine.
“It reflects the anatomy knowledge that is needed by doctors for practice today and into the future. The revised core syllabus of 156 learning outcomes is applicable to all medical training programmes, providing a checklist that will help universities ensure that the medical students they train will be up to the standards demanded by their clinical colleagues.”
Prof Clive Lee, President of the Anatomical Society, said: “This new syllabus marks a significant advance in anatomical education. I congratulate the Anatomical Society’s Education Committee for bringing it to fruition and thank all the anatomists and clinicians involved for their time and expertise.”
Prof Tom Gillingwater, Editor-in-Chief at the Journal of Anatomy, added: “The modern world of medicine brings many new challenges for doctors in training. This syllabus will set an important new benchmark for anatomy teaching taking place in medical schools, ensuring that the doctors of tomorrow are fully equipped to deliver the best possible patient care.”
Read the full paper in the Journal of Anatomy here >