169 - Visualizing Bias: Students Reflections on Bias in the Study of Gross Anatomy

Poster Board Number: 169
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Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

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Abstract Body : In the complex world of medical education, where gross anatomy courses often set the cadence for learning, subtle but potent undercurrents shape future physicians' perceptions. Current scholarship describes the presence of bias in the course curriculum toward a disproportionate representation of white male bodies and the association of certain demographics with pathologies. These biases have been reported in textbooks, atlases, instructors' interactions, and assessment questions. Very little literature has focused on student perceptions of this bias in course content. This study surveyed students across a health science center university, including audiology, speech pathology, medical, and nursing programs. The students listened to an announcement at the beginning of their course that discussed the literature related to bias in gross anatomy course content. At the end of their course, they were asked to reflect on any bias, they noticed in their gross anatomy course content. Most students stated noticing racial or gender biases within the course content. There were several themes found in the responses including frustration with the lack of representation and appreciation of faculty trying to reduce bias. This study aimed to collect the student perceptions of bias in gross anatomy course content and provides opportunities for further study on this topic.