Integrating physical examination and trunk anatomy; a new course for second year medical students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an integrated course of physical examination and trunk anatomy on second year medical students' attitude and knowledge of anatomy. Thirty nine second year medical students attended a physical examination course (5 small group sessions) related to topics in trunk anatomy (2004/05). Students in control group attended routine anatomy lectures and problem based learning discussions relevant to their physiology course. Routine final anatomy exam (65 multiple choices questions) was performed. Attitude toward course impacts in intervention group were assessed by a likert questionnaire (18 items). A T-test was performed to compare anatomy scores. The Intervention group had higher score exam anatomy (46.6 ± 6.3) than others (41.4 ± 6.0, p = 0.04). The mean score of attitude questionnaire was 3.48 (SD = 0.8). In conclusion teaching physical examinations integrated with trunk anatomy improves students’ knowledge and motivated them in learning anatomy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Iman Adibi

IMAN ADIBI received MD degree from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (MUI) in 2006. He is member of students' research committee since1999 (IMSRC) and was head of that committee (2004–2005). He is collaborating with MUI Medical Education Research Center and currently, is research fellow at chemical injuries research center (Baqiatalah University) as national service.

Nasibeh Hasani

NASIBEH HASANI is a medical student in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, a member of students' research committee (IMSRC) since 2002.

Vahid Ashoorioun

VAHID ASHOORIOUN is, at the moment, a faculty member of the medical education department. He got his MD degree from Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (MUI) and after a while he began his study in a master degree course in medical education. He has been the curriculum director of introduction to clinical medicine of MUI medical school for 5 years, while he has preserved his membership as a researcher at Isfahan Medical Education Research Center.

Shohreh Sadrearhami

SHOHREH SADREARHAMI is a medical student in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, a member of students' research committee (IMSRC) since 2002.

Ali Reza Monajemi

ALIREZA MONAJEMI, MD, instructor of medicine in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and a member of Applied Physiology Research Center. His research field is clinical reasoning education and assessment; specifically the relationship between the biomedical and clinical science in medical students' knowledge base.