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Clearly, memory and learning are essential to medical education. To make memory and learning more robust and long-term, educators should turn to the advances in neuroscience and cognitive science to direct their efforts. This paper describes the memory pathways and stages with emphasis leading to long-term memory storage. Particular stress is placed on this storage as a construct known as schema. Leading from this background, several pedagogical strategies are described: cognitive load, dual encoding, spiral syllabus, bridging and chunking, sleep consolidation, and retrieval practice.

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It is generally assumed by students that learning takes place during repeated episodes of rereading and rote memorization of course materials. Over the past few decades, however, research has increasingly indicated that the said notion can and should be enhanced with learning paradigms such as retrieval practice (RP). RP occurs when students practice retrieving their consolidated semantic memories by informally testing themselves. This strategy results in the re-encoding and re-consolidation of existing semantic memories, thus strengthening their schemas. The purpose of this quasi-experimental design was to assess the effects of the implementation of RP on student performance on the final exam in a large, undergraduate Gross Anatomy course. It was hypothesized that student participation in RP during class would improve their performance on the final exam in the course. The participants (N = 248) were mainly in Life Sciences, Kinesiology, and Physical Education programs. They answered RP questions using TopHat©, an online educational software platform. The results of this study indicated that student performance on the final exam was enhanced when students engaged in RP. It was concluded that the use of RP effectively enhances learning and long-term retention of semantic memory. In addition to the traditional testing ‘of’ learning, teachers are encouraged to implement testing, in the form of RP, in their classrooms ‘for’ learning.

Metal‐on‐metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (MoMHRA) has been a popular alternative treatment for young patients with hip osteoarthritis. Despite its advantages over total hip arthroplasty, MoMHRA remains controversial. Malpositioning of the metal components can result in abnormal levels of blood metal ions in the patient; and yet, post‐operative management using 2D x‐rays contain high variance leading to poor detection of prosthetic wear. The purpose of this study is to determine whether 2D/3D registration technology can generate accurate acetabular implant measurements; and, whether 3D data can correlate to metal ion counts to deduce wear. Virtual 3D pelvic models (n=72) and acetabular implants were manually superimposed over 2D x‐ray images according to anatomical landmarks to measure acetabular inclination and version angles. CT models were generated for validation. No significant difference was reported between 2D vs. 3D vs. CT data, suggesting measurements were similar to the results of the gold standard CT model; although 3D measurements were more precise compared to 2D. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation in either 2D or 3D measurements compared to metal ion levels, although a stronger trend is demonstrated in 3D measurements. The findings of this study are inconsistent with the reports in literature and so further investigation is required. Supported by Queen's Graduate Award.