Date : 19-04-2024
In a testament to the evolving landscape of medical education, virtual anatomy labs and dissection laboratories are becoming integral features of campuses in coastal district medical colleges. These virtual platforms are designed to complement traditional teaching methodologies, offering aspiring doctors a more profound understanding of the human body, even in the absence of an ample supply of cadavers. By harnessing these virtual tools, medical colleges aim to enrich students’ anatomical knowledge and understanding, thereby enhancing their preparation for future healthcare practice.
Recently, Kasturba Medical College’s Mangaluru campus inaugurated its virtual dissection laboratory, following suit with its Manipal counterpart. Similarly, Father Muller Medical College plans to implement this technology shortly, with a budget allocated for the purpose. Yenepoya Medical College, Derlakatte, stands as a regional pioneer, having adopted virtual dissection technology nearly a decade ago.
Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean of KMC Mangaluru, highlighted the benefits of the new technology in augmenting students’ hands-on training and knowledge enhancement. Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean of Father Muller Medical College, assured sufficient cadaver availability for practical learning, with 15 cadavers catering to 150 students.
The incorporation of virtual dissection in medical education facilitates error correction and repetition before students engage with actual cadavers. Dr. Vijay Kumar M, Vice-Chancellor of Yenepoya University, emphasized the simulator’s ability to simulate human body size, allowing students to identify errors and practice repeatedly. Despite its advantages, experienced medical professors caution that virtual learning cannot entirely supplant the hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding gained through cadaveric dissection.
Dr. MV Prabhu, Advisor of Kanachur Medical College, underscores the irreplaceable value of hands-on experience in anatomical education, even as virtual learning aids enhance the educational landscape. This integration of virtual anatomy labs represents a significant advancement in medical education, offering students a holistic learning experience while recognizing the enduring importance of practical, hands-on learning methodologies.
