161 - Anatomy Unveiled: Elevating Undergraduate Anatomy Education Through Student-led Medical Illustration

Poster Board Number: 161
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Cynthia Wingert, MS - Assistant Professor, School of Physician Assistant Studies, Lipscomb University; Jill Kirby, PT, DPT - Associate Professor, Biology, Lipscomb University

Abstract Body : Undergraduate students often struggle to comprehend difficult anatomy concepts. While many resources are available to visualize these concepts, there is high value in students discovering concepts for themselves through the integration of dissection and art. We embarked on a data-driven investigation on how medical illustration may transform undergraduate student learning and experience in a dissection course. An aspiring medical illustrator student leads an empirical investigation on the power of visual communication and intricate drawings to elevate the understanding and retention of complex anatomical structures among peers. The student creates a series of drawings through direct observation in the gross anatomy lab that can be replicated by her peers to enhance student performance on laboratory assessments. Our findings highlight the power of allowing space for creativity in forging a path for enhanced comprehension and retention in undergraduate anatomy education.