Resources
Curriculum framework
Training need
Widespread opinion amongst medical and surgical consultants, as well as published literature, suggests inadequate retained knowledge of applied anatomy by junior doctors after graduation. A survey among junior doctors at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) indicated enthusiasm and a need to enhance anatomic knowledge for clinical application and examination preparation.
Relevance
Many universities across Australia and New Zealand offer formalised courses in applied anatomy for junior doctors wishing to advance their knowledge in anatomical sciences. Some of these courses have been very successful and are generally over-subscribed.
In response to demand, the Advanced Surgical Anatomy Course (ASAC) was first offered in early 2012 as part of a joint initiative between Queensland Health and The University of Queensland. This course has been designed to improve junior doctors’ knowledge of clinically relevant anatomy, thus enhancing their acceptance for vocational training and upgrading clinical performance.
Aims of the course
The aims of the course are:
- To improve junior medical staff anatomical expertise and performance by raising their knowledge of anatomy;
- To enhance junior medical staff opportunity for vocational training acceptance.
Learning objectives
At the end of the course candidates will:
- Be able to demonstrate knowledge of surgically and medically relevant topographical anatomy.
- Identify marked structures and their anatomical relations in prosected specimens and images.
- Correlate anatomical structures with radiological images.
Teaching strategies
Pre reading
Pre reading resources for candidates’ reference for each module will be recommended, linked to learning objectives of the course, and will consist of chapters from:
- McMinn, R. M. H. (Ed.), 1994, Last’s Anatomy Regional and Applied, Ninth edition. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh. (recommended by RACS, and provided at no extra cost)
- Sinnatamby, C.S. (Ed.), 2011, Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied, Twelfth edition. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, Edinburgh.
- Ellis, H., 2006, Clinical Anatomy: A Revision and Applied Anatomy for Clinical Candidates, Eleventh Edition. Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Accessed from http://www.similima.com/books/anatomybook21.pdf on 15 June 2011
Other readings
- Agur, A. M. R., & Dalley II, A. F., 2009, Grant's Atlas of Anatomy, Twelfth edition. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
- Gilroy, A.M., Anatomy. An Essential Textbook. Thieme, Stuttgart/New York. (provided at no extra cost)
- Gilroy, A.M., MacPherson, B.R. & Ross, L.M., 2012, Atlas of Anatomy, Second edition. Thieme, Stuttgart/New York. (provided at no extra cost)
- Netter, F.H., 2011, Atlas of Human Anatomy, Fifth edition. Saunders/Elsevier, Philadelphia.
The three complimentary textbooks can be collected at your first module session.
Teaching guidelines
For the purpose of consistency in approach to teaching across all the modules, the module facilitators are expected to follow these guidelines:
- Preface or overview of the general outline of anatomy of the area
- Surface anatomy
- Body wall
- Organ relationships
- Blood supply, nerve supply & lymph drainage
- Surgical inferences - incorporated within all of the above steps
- Summarise/feedback and question time
Approach to learning
Interactive learning for small groups will involve:
- Group discussions
- Formative quizzes (electronic and practical)
- Small group facilitated learning on prosected specimens or images (Module 11).
- Blended learning
Multiple methods and multiple delivery approaches to learning will be incorporated:
- Classroom facilitated learning
- Electronically delivered learning (revision of anatomy in MD course)
Learning activities
- Self directed preparatory reading
- Pre- and post-tests delivered electronically
- Group discussion and question sessions
- Participating in small group interactive teaching on prosected specimens
Essential learning
Relevant applied surgical and radiological anatomical knowledge.
Resources required
- University of Queensland wet anatomic specimens
- High definition (HD) audiovisual (AV) system and computers
- PowerPoint presentations
- Radiological images (Module 11 only)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- FRACS (surgeons) qualified facilitators to teach the modules
Course evaluation
Course evaluation will be conducted at the end of course. Candidates will be provided the course evaluation form to evaluate the course on content, teaching methods, duration, venue, assessment and suggestions/general comments on the course.
Candidates are advised to discuss any issues with their regular clinical tutors.
Course modules
Learning materials
This course consists of 11 modules of integrated learning. PowerPoint files and other related materials for each module can be downloaded from our BlackBoard© site. Once full registration has been completed you will be given the access information needed to access these learning materials.
The learning objectives for each module will be posted on the BlackBoard© site once available. The structure of the course is currently undergoing a small refinement to enhance the learning outcomes.