Development of a synergistic case‐based microanatomy curriculum

This paper discusses the development of an interactive approach to teaching and assessing a microanatomy curriculum in an innovative medical school program. As an alternative to lectures and labs, students are engaged in interactive seminars focused on discussion of clinical and research‐based cases matched with normal histology and pathology slides. A virtual microscopic system is used rather than the traditional glass slide and light microscope. Evaluation of student performance consists of self‐assessment board style questions, concept appraisal problems, and utilization of a portfolio system where the assessment pieces are continuously integrated as part of written formative and summative assessments. Anat Sci Ed 1:102–105, 2008. © 2008 American Association of Anatomists.