2 - Journal Club with a Twist: A Novel Approach to Journal Club in the Anatomical Sciences

Poster Board Number: 2
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Abstract Body : Introduction and Objective: Journal clubs in the medical field and science disciplines have been used worldwide to review literature and to present current research. Within the context of Socialization theory, journal club can be an experience to acclimatize graduate students to the rigors of the discipline as well as to afford a space for students to launch his/her own academic work (Wofford, 2020). Hence, using journal club in an Anatomical Sciences Education program requires creativity, because these students are working to master anatomical knowledge and acquire educational research tools. This exploration's objective was to evaluate the effect of incorporating journal club sessions in which the graduate students present lab dissections as part of a routine journal club, except in the anatomy lab.

Materials and Methods: The faculty and graduate students modified the weekly ASE Journal Club topics of educational research literature to include dissection presentations to the faculty. These sessions occur in the lab as opposed to the conference room. Surveys of the students were collected to assess the effectiveness of including these sessions regarding anatomical knowledge, clinical significance, teaching skills, and general enjoyment of the experience.

Results - While the first two cohorts of this journal club include only four students, overwhelmingly the students report increasing in anatomical knowledge and thinking critically about his/her presentation skills from the experience (75% strongly agree). They also report increased critical thinking about his/her teaching skills (50% strongly agree). Meanwhile, the students see less connection with clinical applications and relating the four subdisciplines of anatomical sciences. Finally, three of the four strongly agree (while the 4th agrees) that the group should continue to incorporate lab dissections in journal club. One student wrote, “I think these dissections provide graduate students with the opportunity to learn and ask questions to anatomy experts. While this is possible through the semester on my own time, this scheduled session ensures the opportunity to ask questions.”

Conclusion - In conclusion, the students report that this innovation increases anatomical knowledge, presentation skills, and teaching skills. They suggested making more effort to include relevant research and content from the subdisciplines (e.g., neuroanatomy, histology, and embryology) besides gross anatomy.

Significance/Implication - The Anatomical Sciences Education field is striving to replenish classically trained anatomists within its ranks. Despite being an atypical environment for a journal club, carving a space in the lab for graduate students to practice anatomical skills coupled with teaching experience within the safety of the faculty for correction and feedback offers conditions conducive to producing strong anatomists and effective educators.