Teaching Of Anatomy In An Integrated, Electronic Curriculum: Implementation And Evaluation

In 2006, KUSOM instituted a technology‐ and module‐based, integrated medical curriculum. Tablet PCs are used to integrate technology components and learning concepts, providing 24/7 access to all curricular content. Lectures decreased by 40% replaced by small group, E‐learning, and formative activities. Histology and cell biology begin in the 1st year Foundations of Medicine (FOM) module and continue as integrated histopathology labs using digital videos, virtual microscopy, and electronic quizzes. Human Anatomy starts with thorax dissection in the Cardiopulmonary module and continues in GI/Nutrition (abdomen), Reproduction and Sexuality (pelvis), Musculoskeletal (extremities), and Brain & Behavior [B&B (head and neck)]. Human Anatomy uses team dissection, web‐based radiological anatomy, and lectures for content dissemination. Embryology is taught in FOM and then with each system. For 2010, basic and clinical embryology will be revisited in Medicine Across the Lifespan with transdisciplinary cases. Neurosciences is now integrated with head and neck anatomy and behavioral sciences in B&B. A few early technical problems have been overcome and student satisfaction has been high. USMLE anatomical discipline Step I scores have not changed significantly. There has been a statistically significant increase in NBME Neuroscience subject exam scores in the new compared to the traditional curriculum.