The Association for Surgical Education was formed in 1980 and its members represent over 190 medical schools and institutions throughout the United States and Canada. Its primary goal is to promote the art and science of education in surgery. Through several discussions over the past year, the Curriculum Committee of the ASE shares the concern of the AACA that basic education in human anatomy may be in decline. As I prepared for this presentation, however, it was apparent that the literature, though filled with interesting study and comment, does not provide a clear answer as to the magnitude of the problem or a clear solution if a problem exists. Before we make a credible argument to utilize more of our valuable educational resources on improving anatomic education we must attempt to document the deficiencies, quantify what will be gained by a change and at what cost.
Curricular reform is slow and difficult at best.
Yet those who are committed to the education of our medical professionals must feel empowered to speak out for what we feel is best, be willing to answer a challenge from those who disagree and work collegially toward a solution. The Association for Surgical Education is composed of many physicians and educators who passionately believe that surgical education can and should be improved. I believe that our organizations could work together effectively to address this issue, to formulate an effective response and engage our medical schools in an effort to improve anatomic education.