The Unintentional Effects on Body Donation Programs of a Competency-Based Curriculum in Postgraduate Medical Education

The implementation of an active inquiry learning centered "7E" teaching mode in the cell biology course enhances the learning effects of postgraduate students

The primary objective of science postgraduate education is to foster students' capacity for creative thinking and problem-solving, particularly in the context of scientific research quality. In order to achieve this goal, the "7E" teaching mood has been implemented in the cell biology course for postgraduate students to promote student-centered active inquiry learning instead of breaking away from traditional indoctrination-based teaching methods. This study demonstrates that the implementation of the "7E" teaching mode, through content programming, process design, and effect evaluation, effectively meets the needs of the majority of students, fosters their interest in learning, enhances their performance in comprehensive questioning, and enhances their innovative abilities in scientific research. Consequently, this research offers a theoretical framework and practical foundation for the development of the "7E" teaching mode in postgraduate courses, aiming to cultivate highly skilled scientific professionals.

Pilot Study on the Development and Integration of Anthropomorphic Models within the Dental Technician Curriculum

The effectiveness of modern medical education largely depends on the integration and utilization of digital technologies in teaching various disciplines. In this pilot usability study, we introduced 3D printed anthropomorphic dental models, specifically designed for the elective discipline "Digital and Metal-Free Techniques in Dental Technology" from the curriculum of the Dental Technician specialty in the Medical University of Varna. The evaluation focused on dental technician students' perception of this novel learning environment, its influence on their performance, and the potential for future application of these models and related 3D technologies in their professional practice. A validated satisfaction questionnaire was distributed among 80 students, comprising the total cohort. The results indicated a high acceptance rate, with nearly 95% of participants finding the use of digitally created 3D-printed dental models beneficial. More than 90% believed that exploring digital technologies would enhance their skills. The well-trained instructor's competence in technology use convinced students of its value, with more than 98% expressing a willingness to incorporate these technologies into their future work for improved precision in dental models. However, due to the current high cost of needed equipment, only 10% of participants may practicably introduce this novel technology into their practical work. The use of anatomically accurate 3D printed models is a valuable addition to the current dental technician curriculum in medical colleges.

Inspired anatomy education: Might God be relevant?

Anatomy education is essential for developing healthcare professionals, and discussion continues about factors that impact and improve the anatomy learning environment. Neglected in this discussion is a consideration of the diverse religious assumptions and beliefs that college students bring to anatomy learning. Surveys of religion among United States college students indicate that many identify as religious and Christian. This viewpoint commentary summarizes main elements of Christian theology and anthropology, discusses the holistic and positive view of the body presented in Christian scripture, and outlines how these Christian beliefs inform and impact student preparation for anatomy education and human body dissection, address ethical issues in body donation, and support professionalism for future career practice.

The impact of enhancing publicity and commemoration of body donors at Zhengzhou University, China

As a fundamental subject of medical education, human anatomy plays a critical role in the development of medical science. However, because of multiple factors including cultural conservativism and limited social understanding, China is facing a particularly severe shortage of bodies donated for anatomy education. Zhengzhou University (ZZU) has continued to uphold whole-body dissection as the preferred method for medical students to learn anatomy. For this study, records of registered individuals (who have signed a body donation agreement) and donors (whose bodies have been received) from 2001 to 2020 were collected and analyzed. The aim of this study was to explore the factors influencing the body donation program (BDP) at ZZU, and then reinforce the social understanding for the BDP. The results showed a significant increase in the numbers of both registered individuals and donors since 2015, which is the year the publicity and commemoration in honor of donors were increased. There were no significant differences between the biological male and female sexes in the registered individuals, but the number of male donors (12.85 ± 10.86, per year) was significantly higher than that of female donors (4.75 ± 4.53, per year). The current donor profile at ZZU is male in his 60/70s, while the profile of registered individuals is male or female in their 60s. Strengthening the publicity and commemoration in honor of donors may contribute to the implementation of BDPs.

Human body donation: How informed are the donors?

Deceased human bodies are donated for education and research. Informed consent has become the standard for research on the living. A question could be asked on how informed are the donors and their families about the process before this generous gift is given. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the published donation forms used by body donation programs in the United States and assess them according to the guidelines published by the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. The findings of this study shows that the level of information given to donors and families, before consenting to whole body donation, varies greatly throughout the United States. Many of the forms fail to include the recommendations made by professional societies. Additional information needs to be added to whole body donation forms to better inform donors and families about the donation process, what happens to the body, and the final disposition of the bodies once studies are completed. Overall, it was concluded that in some cases consent is being obtained but much more needs to be done before institutions can claim to obtain informed consent.

Forensic Implications of Anatomical Education and Surgical Training With Cadavers

Anatomical education and surgical training with cadavers are usually considered an appropriate method of teaching, above all for all surgeons at various levels. Indeed, in such a way they put into practice and exercise a procedure before performing it live, reducing the learning curve in a safe environment and the risks for the patients. Really, up to now it is not clear if the nonuse of the cadavers for anatomical education and surgical training can have also forensic implications. A substantial literature research was used for this review, based on PubMed and Web of Science database. From this review, it is clear that the cadaveric training could be considered mandatory, both for surgeons and for medical students, leading to a series of questions with forensic implications. Indeed, there are many evidences that a cadaver lab can improve the learning curve of a surgeon, above all in the first part of the curve, in which frequent and severe complications are possible. Consequently, a medical responsibility for residents and surgeons which perform a procedure without adequate training could be advised, but also for hospital, that has to guarantee a sufficient training for its surgeons and other specialists through cadaver labs. Surely, this type of training could help to improve the practical skills of surgeons working in small hospitals, where some procedures are rare. Cadaver studies can permit a better evaluation of safety and efficacy of new surgical devices by surgeons, avoiding using patients as ≪guinea pigs≫. Indeed, a legal responsibility for a surgeon and other specialists could exist in the use of a new device without an apparent regulatory oversight. For a good medical practice, the surgeons should communicate to the patient the unsure procedural risks, making sure the patients' full understanding about the novelty of the procedure and that they have used this technique on few, if any, patients before. Cadaver training could represent a shortcut in the standard training process, increasing both the surgeon learning curve and patient confidence. Forensic clinical anatomy can supervise and support all these aspects of the formation and of the use of cadaver training.