Evolution of a discipline—The changing face of anatomy

Abstract

This special issue is unlike any other special issue published in this journal's history. You will not find the types of original research in anatomy and evolutionary biology that you are accustomed to seeing adorning the pages of The Anatomical Record. Instead, the articles included cover the past and future of the discipline of anatomy broadly and of the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) more narrowly, and through two specific rhetorical frames: ethics; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The articles in this issue are divided into two sections. The first section traces the history of anatomy and addresses many of the ethical dilemmas we face as a result of that history. The second section sets the stage for how the discipline and the AAA move forward to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for students, teachers, colleagues, and everyone else we touch through our work as anatomists. While this is only the beginning of our reconciliation with our past, the future certainly looks bright.

“A whole new perspective on how the body fits together”—An evaluation of a cadaver laboratory experience for high school students

“…Anatomy laboratory tours typically are 2 h in length and consist of an introductory presentation on the history of anatomy, cadaveric dissection, whole‐body donation, and specific details about the scope of the AEP for medical education in Indiana. This presentation serves to situate the students to understand the necessity of a willed body program in light of millennia of ethical transgressions from medical and anatomical educators in search of bodies for dissection (Ghosh, 2015; Comer, 2022; Organ & Comer, 2022). Students learn of the first dissections being performed on executed criminals, to graverobbing and body snatching, followed by the Burke and Hare anatomical scandal, and end with a discussion of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act and the willed body program at IUSM (Rosner, 2010; Ghosh, 2015, 2022; Brenna, 2022).…”

“…Anatomy laboratory tours typically are 2 h in length and consist of an introductory presentation on the history of anatomy, cadaveric dissection, whole-body donation, and specific details about the scope of the AEP for medical education in Indiana. This presentation serves to situate the students to understand the necessity of a willed body program in light of millennia of ethical transgressions from medical and anatomical educators in search of bodies for dissection (Ghosh, 2015;Comer, 2022;Organ & Comer, 2022).…”

First patient project: Engaging pathology through the donor dissection experience and its role in professionalism

“…The program director delivers the presentation about the AEP and answers any questions the students have prior to beginning dissection. The historical presentation follows and serves to situate the students to understand the necessity of a willed body program considering ethical transgressions committed by medical and anatomical educators in search of bodies for dissection (Ghosh, 2015; Comer, 2022; Organ & Comer, 2022). The presentation provides a timeline of body procurement from executed criminals, to graverobbing and body snatching, to unclaimed bodies, and ends with whole‐body donation (Rosner, 2010; Ghosh, 2015, 2022; Brenna, 2022).…”

“…The FPP was conceptualized as a formal curricular component to promote viewing the donor through a holistic lens and included several elements which will be described below and include: a formal presentation about whole body donation, focus on pathology, promotion of teamwork, reflection, and role modeling of professional behaviors. (Ghosh, 2015;Comer, 2022;Organ & Comer, 2022). The presentation provides a timeline of body procurement from executed criminals, to graverobbing and body snatching, to unclaimed bodies, and ends with whole-body donation (Rosner, 2010;Ghosh, 2015Ghosh, , 2022Brenna, 2022).…”

“Spine to the future”—A narrative review of anatomy engagement

“…Training can increase the ability of anatomists as public educators but also realize the boundaries and challenges around the limit of their knowledge in the ever-changing landscape they operate in Ref. [116]. The American Association for Anatomy has supported its members to undergo science communication training, equipping attendees with the ability to communicate their science in an effective way when engaging with the public, policy makers, and funders.…”