Impact of Anatomical Research Projects for Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Academic and Professional Skills, Clinical Aspirations and Appreciation of Anatomy.

ABSTRACT: In the third year of pre-clinical medicine (known as Part II of the Natural Sciences Tripos at the University of Cambridge), students have the opportunity to lead a primary research project on clinically relevant anatomy, often involving donor dissection. This descriptive study used a cross-sectional survey to explore the effects of undertaking an anatomical research project on students' attitudes, interests, and a variety of academic and professional skills. Of 45 students who were invited to participate in this study, 40 responded. Of these, 30 students (75%) had performed cadaveric dissection. Projects increased students' interests in academic careers (36% or 90% agreed/strongly agreed) and scientific inquiry, with 30 students (75%) undertaking subsequent research. Many students (30/40;

SUBMITTER: Sinha A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11925134 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature