Now, virtual labs transform anatomy learning along coast

Mangaluru: As technology continues to evolve, virtual anatomy labs and dissection laboratories are being integrated into the campuses of medical colleges in the coastal districts. These virtual labs are intended to complement traditional teaching methods and provide aspiring doctors with an enhanced understanding of the human body, even when sufficient cadavers are available.

By leveraging these virtual platforms, medical colleges aim to enable students and doctors to explore various systems and structures of the human body in greater detail, deepening their anatomical knowledge and understanding. This innovative approach to medical education offers a well-rounded learning experience for the healthcare professionals of tomorrow.

Kasturba Medical College’s Mangaluru campus on Thursday inaugurated its virtual dissection laboratory, following the launch of a similar facility at its Manipal campus, a few days prior. Father Muller Medical College also plans to implement this technology in the near future. Yenepoya Medical College, Derlakatte, was a pioneer in the region, having adopted this technology approximately nine years ago. “Our new technology adoption in anatomy teaching will help students to enhance their knowledge with hands-on training,” said Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean of KMC, Mangaluru. Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean of Father Muller Medical College, said that they have allocated a budget for the dissection laboratory. “If all goes well, the lab will be set up soon on campus,” shared D’Souza. When questioned about the availability of cadavers, D’Souza stated that the supply is adequate. “We have 15 cadavers for 150 students. There is no shortage,” he said.

The incorporation of virtual dissection in medical education allows medical students to correct and reverse mistakes before working with actual cadavers. The anatomy simulator is the size of a human body, enabling students to identify individual errors and practice epeatedly for perfection, as explained by Dr Vijay Kumar M, vice- chancellor of Yenepoya University. The institution is among the first to adopt modern teaching aids. “In addition, this technology helps to teach in small groups, teaching a maximum of five people at a time. Whereas when a cadaver is used, one requires a minimum of 25 students,” said Kumar.

Nevertheless, experienced medical professors emphasise that virtual learning, while valuable, cannot entirely replace the hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding gained through cadaveric dissection in the study of anatomy. “Virtual learning, while beneficial, cannot fully replace the hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding gained through cadaveric dissection in the study of anatomy,” stressed Dr MV Prabhu, advisor of Kanachur Medical College, Derlakatte.