Anatomy Teaching – The Cruellest Cut of All

The conference, Anatomy Teaching – the Cruellest Cut of All, was attended by 160 delegates representing a wide range of professions. The aim was to highlight the key issues surrounding the teaching of anatomy today and to reach a consensus on how to make teaching fit for purpose in the future. Andrew Raftery, chair of the College's anatomy steering group and the vocal champion for anatomy on the College Council, eloquently set the scene for the day. He reminded the audience that anatomy remained the basic language of medicine, which through dissection as well as illustrating biological variations and common pathological conditions also promoted teamwork, communication skills, the reality of death and a respect for the human body.