Is there a superior simulator for human anatomy education? How virtual dissection can overcome the anatomic and pedagogic limitations of cadaveric dissection

Abstract

Educators must select the best tools to teach anatomy to future physicians and traditionally, cadavers have always been considered the “gold standard” simulator for living anatomy. However, new advances in technology and radiology have created new teaching tools, such as virtual dissection, which provide students with new learning opportunities. Virtual dissection is a novel way of studying human anatomy through patient computed tomography (CT) scans. Through touchscreen technology, students can work together in groups to “virtually dissect” the CT scans to better understand complex anatomic relationships. This article presents the anatomic and pedagogic limitations of cadaveric dissection and explains what virtual dissection is and how this new technology may be used to overcome these limitations.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research & Education Foundation for a 2017-2019 RSNA Education Scholar Grant which has strengthened our international collaboration as educators and researchers.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathryn E. Darras

Kathryn E. Darras, MD, is a Radiologist at the University of British Columbia and a PhD candidate with the School of Health Professions Education at Maastricht University.

Anique B. H. de Bruin

Anique B. H. de Bruin, PhD, is an Educational Psychologist and is as an Associate Professor with the Department of Educational Development and Research and School of Health Professions Education at Maastricht University.

Savvas Nicolaou

Savvas Nicolaou, MD, is a Radiologist, a Professor, and the Vice-Chair of Undergraduate Radiology Education at the University of British Columbia.

Nils Dahlström

Nils Dahlström, MD, PhD, is a Radiologist and a Senior Instructor at Linkoping University.

Anders Persson

Anders Persson, MD, PhD, is a Radiologist and a Professor at Linkoping University.

Jeroen van Merriënboer

Jeroen van Merriënboer, PhD, is a Professor for Learning and Instruction at Maastricht University

Bruce B. Forster

Bruce B. Forster, MSc, MD, is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Radiology at the University of British Columbia, and Director of the University of British Columbia’s Office of Academic Innovation.