Enhancing Musculoskeletal Anatomy Learning with a Multimodal Station-Based Module Integrating Body Painting, 3D Anatomy, and Medical Imaging
Medical students face challenges in study of musculoskeletal anatomy with traditional teaching methods, mainly because of excessive memorization, poor 3D spatial visualization, and limited clinical and functional integration. To address these challenges, we propose an innovative, multiple stations-based teaching module to integrate body painting, 3D anatomical visualization with “Complete Anatomy” (A 3D anatomy software), 2D medical images (CT & MRI) and ultrasound anatomy of the living subject. Practically, students will rotate through four stations: (1) Identification of soft and hard anatomical landmarks, (2) Body painting assisted with “Complete Anatomy”, (3) X-ray/MRI/CT imaging, and (4) ultrasound scans of the volunteers. We hope via the above multiple approaches, the student anatomy learning style may shift from a simple “memorization” to multiple reasoning, practical skill application and dynamic memorization. More importantly, they will not only learn those factual anatomical knowledges, but also develop essential clinical skills grounded in sound reasoning. Thus, the proposed project will boost students’ confidence in clinical applications, and strengthen their self-directed and motivated learning. To evaluate the effectiveness of this teaching module, a single-group, pre-post intervention study with mixed-methods evaluation will assess outcomes over two semesters, using tests, spatial assessments, engagement metrics, and qualitative feedback.
