Integrating physical examination and trunk anatomy; a new course for second year medical students

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an integrated course of physical examination and trunk anatomy on second year medical students' attitude and knowledge of anatomy. Thirty nine second year medical students attended a physical examination course (5 small group sessions) related to topics in trunk anatomy (2004/05). Students in control group attended routine anatomy lectures and problem based learning discussions relevant to their physiology course. Routine final anatomy exam (65 multiple choices questions) was performed. Attitude toward course impacts in intervention group were assessed by a likert questionnaire (18 items). A T-test was performed to compare anatomy scores. The Intervention group had higher score exam anatomy (46.6 +/- 6.3) than others (41.4 +/- 6.0, p = 0.04). The mean score of attitude questionnaire was 3.48 (SD = 0.8). In conclusion teaching physical examinations integrated with trunk anatomy improves students' knowledge and motivated them in learning anatomy.