Perceptions of medical students regarding methods of teaching human anatomy

AbstractAnatomy education employs diverse teaching techniques worldwide, causing debates over the effectiveness of traditional versus newer methods. This study sought to investigate medical students’ preferences for teaching methods in their institutions and provide recommendations for an optimal anatomy education model. In this cross-sectional study, all Jeddah medical students were invited to participate in an online survey. The response rate reached 30%, with 430/1424 students partaking, and a sample size of 349 was established using non-probability convenience sampling. Students were questioned about the methods used at their institutions, and the significance they attributed to each method. Additionally, their agreement with specific statements was assessed. Among 430 responses, diversity of anatomy teaching methods was reported across institutions. While all methods were deemed important, there were slight disparities in preferences, with cadaver dissection being the most favored (86.2%). Conversely, plastic models were rated the least preferred (29.9%). The preferred comprehensive and practical approach to understand and memorize anatomy was combining two or more methods (29.8%). No significant association was observed between gender and the importance of any method (p > 0.05). Based on students’ perceptions, cadaver dissection is the most suitable approach for achieving important teaching goals in the field of anatomy. However, combining dissection with digital models is the most preferred method. We recommend that medical schools not limit the methods used in teaching anatomy and look toward choosing preferred methods.