Current integration of dissection in medical education in Australia and New Zealand: Challenges and successes

The reduced use of dissection associated with the introduction of integrated systems problem-based learning curricula, graduate-entry programs and medical school expansion is a frequent topic of discussion and debate in modern medical training. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of these changes to the medical education landscape, by looking at the current utilization and integration of dissection in medical schools, in Australia and New Zealand. A survey and an invitation to participate in an interview were distributed to all Australian Medical Council-accredited medical schools. Sixteen schools (76%) responded to the survey and five interviews (24%) were conducted. Dissection was a component of the medical program in 12 of the 16 schools surveyed. The opportunity for medical students to dissect human cadavers was found to be related to whether the medical school was established pre- or post-2000 (P = 0.003) but was not significantly associated to undergraduate- or graduate-entry (P = 0.64), program length (P = 0.59) or the number of commencing students (P = 0.07). The methods used for the delivery and integration of dissection varied between schools. Despite substantial changes to the delivery of anatomy in Australian and New Zealand medical schools, a variety of approaches have been adopted to ensure dissection remains an integral component of medical student education. Based on our findings, a number of recommendations were formulated to encourage the integration of dissection, regardless of the didactics of the program, to enhance the anatomical knowledge of students.