The Status of Cadaver-Based Anatomy Instruction in Missouri Medical Schools

Cadaveric dissection has been a foundational principle of medical anatomic education for the last 400 years, yet medical anatomy course hours have been drastically reduced in the last decades. With this course reduction and the availability of other modalities for anatomic instruction, the physician may question the current role of cadavers in medical anatomy courses. This study aims to evaluate the role cadaveric dissection plays in anatomy programs in allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in Missouri and compare course hours to the national trend. Ongoing challenges are reviewed, including the international shortage of qualified cadaveric anatomists.