The Role of Ultrasound in teaching Clinical Anatomy to First year Medical Students

Introduction: Undergraduate medical education training has recently shifted towards making content relevant and applicable for future clinical practice. However, students often encounter difficulties in visualizing the functional living human and apply clinically relevant anatomy content. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role and efficacy of ultrasound in teaching clinical anatomy to first year medical students. Methods: 300 Year 1 students took part in the practical sessions either using ultrasound mannequins or volunteer. All students were given a specially designed pre-test and post-test using Katz's Percentage to assess their level of ultrasound knowledge. A feedback survey was sought from the students and anatomists after the programme. Results: The results were analyzed based on the 100 students who have taken both pre- and post-tests. The study showed that there was statistical significant difference on normal US images of abdominal organs knowledge before and after the intervention. About 98% of students would like the continuation of this programme into the clinical years. Tutor's perception survey also revealed positive results particularly the interdepartmental collaboration. Conclusion: An ultrasound programme was successfully implemented to complement and enhance the conceptualizing of normal gross anatomy with clinical anatomy for first year medical students.