Explicit Connections Between Anatomy and Clinical Science are Key to Successful Cognitive Integration.

Our findings demonstrate the value of providing explicit connections between anatomy and clinical science in supporting deep learning in novices. This research also highlights the value of designing instruction that supports cognitive integration and demonstrates that one to maximize learning of anatomy is to use it as a tool to help learners more effectively understand and organize clinical concepts. Further, our findings suggest that learning strategies that emphasize the explicit connections between anatomy and clinical science in a holistic way, hold the potential to support the development of learners' conceptual knowledge.