Teaching anatomy in the middle east: Opportunities and challenges at a new medical school

The challenges and opportunities for teaching anatomy in the new medical college of Sultan Qaboos University (S. Q. U.) in the Middle East are described. With appropriate emphasis the subject is presented at all stages in the B. Sc. (basic medical sciences) and M. D. (clinical) programs. At the pre-clinical stage much of the subject is integrated with the other preclinical sciences in “systems” courses. Because of its continual emphasis throughout both degree programs and because of special coursesincluding introduction to anatomical skills with emphasis on developing practical skills and a log-book evaluation of skills towards the end of the preclillical course together with clinical problem-solving exercises, anatomy has preserved its identity. The limited availability of cadavers has been turned to advantage enabling radiological, surface, and living anatomy to be emphasized in practicals which also include examination of anatomical models and plastinated and prosected specimens. The practicals are highly structured, students rotating through a series of stations of activities ensuring that they examine all the available material and perform required tasks. The preclinical courses are assessed by a variety of in-course and end-of-course integrated examinations. The assessments used have been validated and it is hoped to report them separately. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.