A reflection on the role of anatomists in modern medical education: confronting meaning and mortality in the gross anatomy laboratory

Abstract

Modes of anatomical instruction (especially the need to dissect cadavers) have been contested for generations. The present narrative provides an opportunity to re-approach this age-old debate and contemplate the state of anatomical sciences education through a narrative reflection of an encounter with a donor in the cadaveric anatomy laboratory.

Keywords

• cadaveric anatomy
• gross anatomy
• anatomical sciences education
• medical education
• medical student