Perspective of the 1st year undergraduate medical students in learning anatomy

Introduction: Anatomy, one of the basic sciences' subject of the 1st year medical education curriculum, is recognized as an essential foundation for clinical sciences. However, there is a continuing debate on the best method of learning anatomy. In this study, we infer the perception of the 1st year medical students on the best method of learning anatomy. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on 246 1st year undergraduate medical students, of the academic year 2015-2016. An online platform - Survey Monkey - was utilized to conduct the survey where multiple-answer multiple-choice questions were sent to the students, and the results were tabulated on a graph. Results: The optimal way of learning anatomy according to 80% of students was through small-group teaching in comparison to didactic lectures according to 12%. Integrated teaching introduced as talks by physicians (31%) and problem-based learning (28%) was not well appreciated. However, they felt an exposure to the clinical side where small groups are taken to the hospital to demonstrate relevant case/procedure/examination would have a more significant impact (78%). There was a favorable opinion (74%) on the formation of an Anatomy mentor cell where the students who had performed poorly during the first sessional test were under the guidance of anatomy staff, and regular assignments were given. Discussion and Conclusion: Anatomy exposes the student to an ocean of knowledge; it also inculcates a particular attitude and communication toward another human being. The students' perspective in learning Anatomy plays a crucial role in the changing times and demand reforms which would best aid the student-centric learning.