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The anatomy of teaching anatomy

22 October 2008

Adina Kleiner

When medical teacher Adina Kleiner was asked to develop an anatomy program for a new physiotherapy course, the task seemed daunting -- but it was an opportunity she could not pass up.

The new program includes teaching students in groups of eight to ten and exposes students to experienced clinicians.

"Students crave stories of real-life experiences provided by the clinicians," Ms Kleiner said.

"It gives them an insight into what they can expect when they graduate.

"In a subject that may often be delivered in a dry, didactic manner, I developed a unique lecture series with practical sessions that are factual and reinforce the way that anatomy affects human function.

"The use of software programs that are creative and graphic help to bring the lessons to life."

It took three months but the new program was innovative, engaging and utilised aspects of teaching not before seen in this area of education.

"Physiotherapists require a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of structural and functional anatomy for clinical decision-making," Ms Kleiner said.

"The importance of anatomy education is evident in the number of physiotherapists who now manage the triage of musculoskeletal injuries in hospital emergency departments.

"My aim was to create a curriculum that would stimulate students to learn anatomy well and to integrate it effectively into clinical practice. My focus was on the practical aspects of the topic, rather than the minutiae typical of many anatomy curricula."

Ms Kleiner said her love of teaching was built on a passion to see students enjoy their studies, build on their knowledge base and stretch themselves creatively.

"This is encouraging for us as teachers and encouraging for the students who know they're receiving the very best education," Ms Kleiner said.

Ms Kleiner was recently recognised for her work with an Australian Learning and Teaching Council citation.