Resources

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 RACS accredited Course, which is offered twice a year, 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:

1. To improve junior medical staff anatomical expertise and performance by raising their knowledge of anatomy;
2. To enhance junior medical staff opportunity for vocational training acceptance.

Learning objectives

At the end of the course candidates will:

1. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of surgically and medically relevant topographical anatomy.
2. Identify marked structures and their anatomical relations in prosected specimens and images.
3. 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:

1. 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)
2. Sinnatamby, C.S. (Ed.), 2011, Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied, Twelfth edition. Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier, Edinburgh.
3. 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

1. Agur, A. M. R., & Dalley II, A. F., 2009, Grant's Atlas of Anatomy, Twelfth edition. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
2. Gilroy, A.M., Anatomy. An Essential Textbook. Thieme, Stuttgart/New York. (provided at no extra cost)
3. Gilroy, A.M., MacPherson, B.R. & Ross, L.M., 2012, Atlas of Anatomy, Second edition. Thieme, Stuttgart/New York. (provided at no extra cost)
4. Netter, F.H., 2011, Atlas of Human Anatomy, Fifth edition. Saunders/Elsevier, Philadelphia.

The three Gilroy textbooks can be picked up 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:

1. Preface or overview of the general outline of anatomy of the area
2. Surface anatomy
3. Body wall
4. Organ relationships
5. Blood supply, nerve supply & lymph drainage
6. Surgical inferences - incorporated within all of the above steps
7. 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:

1. Classroom facilitated learning
2. Electronically delivered learning (revision of anatomy in MD course)

Learning activities

1. Self directed preparatory reading
2. Pre- and post-tests delivered electronically
3. Group discussion and question sessions
4. Participating in small group interactive teaching on prosected specimens

Essential learning

Relevant applied surgical and radiological anatomical knowledge.

Resources required

1. University of Queensland wet anatomic specimens
2. High definition (HD) audiovisual (AV) system and computers
3. PowerPoint presentations
4. Radiological images (Module 11 only)
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
6. 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.