CLINICAL ANATOMY IN THE ONCOLOGY PATIENT - A PRECLINICAL ELECTIVE THAT REINFORCES CROSS-SECTIONAL ANATOMY USING EXAMPLES OF CANCER SPREAD PATTERNS

A preclinical elective entitled Oncologic Anatomy is described which e mphasizes the study of anatomy from a three-dimensional approach using examples of cancer spread patterns. Features of this elective course include patient presentations, a review of the anatomy, a diagnostic p resentation and overview of radiologic imaging techniques, and ''hands on'' experience where students are introduced to aspects of the physi cal examination. This course format encourages active learning, facili tates basic and clinical science integration, offers early exposure to patients, and validates the importance of the psychosocial aspects of the medical profession. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.