REACTIONS OF FIRST-YEAR PODIATRY STUDENTS TO CADAVER DISSECTION

A study was conducted to determine the reactions of podiatry students to the initial anatomy dissecting laboratory sessions. Forty-three pod iatry students were invited to complete a semi-structured, self-admini stered anonymous questionnaire (93% response). The questionnaire focus ed on expectations, thoughts and reactions of students. The responses revealed the students were ill-prepared for the experience and many di d not know what to expect. No positive responses were recorded, with a high number of students (58%) reporting unpleasant physical reactions , nightmares and negative thoughts since the experience. A small numbe r of students (7.5%) found the sessions so disturbing they lost academ ic content viability. Podiatry students may not anticipate encounters with the dead, and this may account for the relatively high number of disturbing experiences reported.