Mortui Vivos Docent? - Experienced Burdens of Medical Students in the Gross Anatomy Course

Research question: The dissection course (here abbreviated: PK) is still an obligatory part of medical schools in Germany. In this study we investigated the experiences and burdens of medical students in gross anatomy, especially "distancing from the human body". Methods: This study was carried out three times with the self-composed questionnaire BF-PK: before, while and after PK. In total 371 students participated in the PK. 297 students participated at measurement 1. Results: In advance 25-30% of the medical students reported anxiety and emotional inhibition, during the course only 7-10%. The coping strategy "distancing from the human body" was prominent. Anxiety, emotional inhibition and disgust remained for 5-10% of the participants. Conclusion: The gross anatomy course causes emotional stress for a considerable amount of medical students. For those students that were not able to overcome the mental stress themselves service offers should be implemented.