Virtual Anatomical Training in Medical Education

Welsh, E., Anderson, P. and Rea, P. (2010) Virtual Anatomical Training in Medical Education. AMEE 2010, Glasgow, Scotland, 4-8 Sep 2010.

Abstract

Background: In today’s demanding medical curriculum, time for cadaveric dissection is limited and anatomical training is becoming increasingly dependent on supplementation from virtual datasets. Many are concerned however, that current virtual training aids are unsatisfactory due to oversimplification and lack of realism. This project involves a unique collaboration between the DDS (GSA), the RCSPG and The Laboratory of Human Anatomy (GU), and aims to create an enhanced virtual training package for the anatomically complex inguinal canal. Summary of work: Detailed dissection of the inguinal canal region of a 68 year old male cadaver was imaged at key stages using state of the art laser scanning technology. The data obtained was then augmented with a pre-existing dataset and a functional training package was developed. Summary of results: An anatomically accurate interactive 3D training package of the inguinal canal was successfully produced. Conclusions: Results show that by collecting and utilising data from real cadaveric material, it is possible to create extremely accurate virtual anatomical 3D reconstructions for medical training purposes. Take-home messages: Combining cadaveric dissection and laser scanning creates unique accurate anatomical datasets for use in the 3D stereoscopic environment for medical education and will revolutionise training.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rea, Professor Paul
• Authors: Welsh, E., Anderson, P., and Rea, P.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences