Internationalization of Medical Education and the Anatomy Course ‐ Outcomes of an International Partnership of 11 Anatomy Departments in 4 Continents
Authors: Wu Anette , Noel Geoffroy , Wingate Richard , Kielstein Heike , Gill Mandeep , Sakurai Takeshi , Viranta‐Kovanen Suvi , Chien Chung‐Liang , Traxler Hannes , Waschke Jens , Vielmuth Franziska , Kitahara Shuji , Keay Kevin , Bernd Paulette 
Published: June 2021

Study Objective

The purpose of the study is to assess the value of an internationalization of medical education (IoME) program between 11 Anatomy departments that aims to prepare preclinical medical and dental students for future healthcare leadership roles, by providing them with skills in Public Health awareness, cultural competency, reflection on the topic of body donation, early networking opportunities and basic sciences experiences.

Statement of Methods

We previously reported on our experience in IoME with 6 countries that was initiated through the Anatomy courses. The present study includes 11 Anatomy departments on 4 continents (Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany (2), Japan (2), Taiwan, UK and USA) with a total of 183 preclinical Anatomy participants (n=18 dental students, n=165 medical students). Students worked in smaller groups than in the previous years (n=3–4). Discussion topics i.e. differences in the Anatomy courses, international healthcare education and delivery, Global/Public Health, health ethics and health law were further refined. Students worked on a collaborative paper, created a video presentation and presented their work at a large virtual conference. Subsequently they traveled to the partner countries to perform basic sciences research. Questionnaires after the travels were analyzed and are now being presented.

A new data point includes an international discussion on the topic of body donation. Students interviewed each other about their thoughts on body donation and their experience working with donated bodies in the different countries and submitted written statements. Comparison of these written statements are underway.

Summary of Results

Results indicate that students felt that they learned from each other during the small group sessions in regard to healthcare education and delivery, Global/Public Health, health ethics and health law. We observed a level of appreciation of what they have at home and cultural awareness. Results also demonstrate that the travels help with building research techniques skills, cultural competency and social connections.

We expect differences in the reflection on the topic of body donation due to the differences in the body donation process in the different countries.

Conclusions

We here present our updated experience with a unique international student exchange program that is introduced via the Anatomy course. Anatomy departments can serve as an anchor for international student exchanges, contribute to studies of cultural differences in body donation practices and contribute to Global/Public Health awareness education.

Support or Funding Information

None

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.