Clinical Anatomy / Medical Education Research

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Clinical Anatomy

Anatomy is a field that has been concerned with the structural composition of the human body and the functions that can be derived from it for centuries. One might therefore think that there is nothing new to say about bones, muscles, organs, blood vessels, and nerves. However, the opposite is true, as advances in clinical methods (e.g., new surgical techniques, instruments, implants, interventional and imaging procedures) are constantly raising new questions that require consideration of anatomy from the perspective of the treating physician, for example, to make these methods safer and less complicated. Animal models have limited applicability, especially with regard to the biomechanics of human dimensions and shapes, such as joints. Close cooperation between developers, researchers, and physicians is therefore crucial. Our institute offers excellent opportunities in this context, as it has the most valuable gift a human being can give: its own body.​​

​​	​PD Dr. Sabine Löffler, MME Publications Telefon: ​​+49 341 - 97 22083 E-Mail: sabine.loeffler@medizin.uni-leipzig.de

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Collaboration with the Center for Research on the Musculoskeletal System (ZESBO)​​​​​

An important example of this is the development and testing of implant systems in collaboration with the ZESBO biomechanics laboratory at the Department of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Plastic Surgery at the University of Leipzig. Our colleagues there have access to state-of-the-art methods of material testing and development, which allow conclusions to be drawn about the material behavior and resilience of biomaterials. The ability to transfer these measurements from simplified models to native material offers a unique opportunity for realistic simulation. Testing on human tissue is an integral part of this branch of research.​

Medical Education Research in Anatomy​​

Anatomy is the key element at the beginning of medical studies. Anatomists bear a great responsibility toward students who are about to enter clinical medicine and, together with hospital physicians, train them in clinically relevant anatomy. It is not only facts that should be learned, but also skills and abilities as well as certain ethical attitudes that should be acquired at the beginning of the course of study. This requires new teaching formats (e.g., PBL, teaching in a skills lab, communication training, learning scientific working methods) and examinations (e.g., OSCE). AI is also playing an increasingly important role at present. However, its use in teaching requires constant evaluation and, if necessary, adaptation. Quantitative and qualitative educational research methods are available for this purpose.​​

In cooperation with:​