Internationalization in Teaching Anatomy – An Important Step to Start a Reflexive-Critical View on Medical Education - Abstract
International mobility during graduation includes advanced skills and attitudes. The shortage of cadavers for dissection is a reality, especially in new medical courses. The use of fresh frozen cadavers is a reality in many countries and allows the students’ contact with a model next to the reality. The objective of this study was to report the experience of internationalization through courses in a cadaver lab as a complementary pedagogical tool in the teaching of anatomy. The course was performed at the Miami Anatomical Research Center Institute, with prior submission of theoretical material. A “hands-on” modality was adopted, and all of the dissections were guided by a preceptor. At the end of each period, the group discussed all of the day activities, and at the end of the course a total review was done. The previous discussion of the theoretical material allowed us to ask questions and consolidate knowledge. The review of the instruments and biosafety concepts contributed to the better knowledge of the dynamics of a cadaver lab. The quality of the anatomical material was excellent, ensuring the visualization of delicate structures, as well as the more robust structures, allowing the integration of the same ones. The result of the activities was quite interesting and fulfilled with its purpose. Access to fresh frozen cadavers was a good opportunity to complement teaching and learning anatomy, allowing students to contact human material in a scenario close to reality, as well as developing skills for dissection and teamwork.