MEDICAL STUDENTS PERCEPTION OF PROBLEM TOPICS IN ANATOMY

Abstract

Objective: To examine the existence of perceived problem topics/concepts in anatomy,
possible reasons for the problems and also student suggestions for alleviating the
problems.
Design: An open-ended questionnaire.
Setting: School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg,
South Africa.
Subjects: Two hundred and fifty nine second year medical students.
Main outcome measures: The questionnaire included identification of problem areas,
reasons for problems and possible solutions.
Results: The survey revealed a wide range of problem topics, with the majority being
experienced in gross anatomy followed by histology and embryology. It was clear that
the students experienced difficulties with 3-dimensional conceptualization and the
visualisation of structures.
Conclusion: A variety of teaching aids may help in addressing this problem and
encourage spatially oriented thinking, leading ultimately to an integrated and in-depth
understanding of anatomy.