MedEdPORTAL (May 2013)
Inexpensive Models for Teaching Imaging Anatomy: Coronary Anatomy Lab
Abstract
Abstract Introduction This resource contains the tools to create an enlarged three-dimensional anatomic model of the heart and coronary vasculature (originally derived from a CT scan) that can be used to teach imaging anatomy. This model contains multiple parts that can be constructed by students to reinforce anatomic relationships that were learned in their anatomy courses. This model was developed for medical students in a radiology clerkship, but could easily be used for teaching in courses ranging from undergraduate anatomy to resident training. The construction methodology shown in this module could easily be applied to any cross-sectional dataset to build larger-than-life anatomically correct models of other parts of the body at minimal cost. Methods This guide includes a detailed laboratory exercise for the coronary vasculature designed for medical students and junior-level residents. A similar model-building exercise can be developed from any cross-sectional dataset to produce inexpensive teaching models. The total cost of materials to construct this model is under $100. Results Since implementation of the first of these interactive labs in 2009, all medical students at Boston University Medical School have participated and many have filled out optional surveys regarding the experience that show a high level of satisfaction and particular value to the model building exercise. The technique has been published in a paper in the Anatomy Education Literature and has been presented locally at several medical education forums. Discussion After the last presentation at the Boston University main campus, a health educator took the idea to develop their own model building session regarding genitourinary anatomy for students learning about sexually transmitted diseases. The ability to build inexpensive models that are large enough for constructive learning is very attractive to educators in many areas.
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