A cornerstone in ASP’s mission to provide learning experiences in the field of surgery is our Human Anatomy Teaching Assistance Program. In collaboration with Dr. Kyle Peterson (MEDI 505 Course Director) of the Department of Cell Biology, ASP members facilitate cooperative learning of human anatomy between first and second year medical students. Specifically, ASP and the Department of Cell Biology have designed a teaching assistance curriculum offering the following resources to first year medical students:

• Weekly pre-dissection instruction sessions*
  
• Laboratory dissection assistance on faculty off-days
  
• Laboratory dissection demonstrations
  
• Supplemental dissection outlines
  
• Multimedia links via ASPortal
  
• ASPortal Community Forum (Coming Soon)

  *Note: The teaching sessions are based on structured outlines designed by ASP and utilize materials deemed helpful and relevant by previous anatomy students and instructors.

Furthermore, ASP recognizes that the Human Anatomy course represents several of the many challenges faced by students entering and adjusting to medical school. Our small group sessions, dissection assistance, and resource materials are representative of our efforts to ease a transition to the medical school course load.

It is through teaching and dissection participation that ASP M2 members have an opportunity to enjoy, for a second time, the privilege of human cadaver dissection. The ongoing study of anatomy, coordinated with clinical exposure to surgery, is not only exciting but also educationally synergistic. ASP members can enter their third year rotations, and potential surgical residencies, with a renewed understanding of human anatomy.

The Anatomy Teaching Assistance Program has also been designed with USMLE Step 1in mind. Through their teaching assistance responsibilities, ASP M2 members are actively engaged in early preparation for the anatomy components of their Step 1 exam.

Sign-Up to be a Teaching Assistant