Third Anatomy Annual Congress in Rwanda - October 13, 2024

Theme: Anatomy in the digital age: Embracing innovations and diversity Dear guests, colleagues, students, and friends of S-CAR, I welcome you to our 3rd annual anatomy congress in Rwanda, themed “Anatomy in the digital Age: Embracing innovation and diversity.” It is important to note that significant digital transformations have marked the field of anatomy education. While 18th and 19th-century teaching anatomy relied solely on human dissection, today’s advancements include digital resources like 3D models, virtual dissection applications, online atlases, flipped classrooms, and hybrid learning models. These innovations address the critical challenge of human donor availability, the cost of the human donors' program, and ethical and cultural challenges. In Rwanda, where information technology is one of the transformative tools for development, technology in teaching facilitates interactive learning that enhances students’ comprehension and retention of anatomical concepts while preparing them for technology-driven medical practice. Diversity remains a challenge in 21st-century anatomy education. Creating textbooks and digital resources representing African anatomical variations is crucial in promoting cultural understanding. At the University of Rwanda's gross anatomy laboratory, diverse anatomical variations can lead to a better understanding of the African anatomical model. Using diverse anatomical models can inspire students to pursue careers in anatomy. Diversity among teaching staff is also another way of motivating gender participation in anatomy education in Rwanda. To encourage gender participation at the grassroots, we have introduced an award for the best female abstract in the S-CAR 2024 competition. The 3rd Anatomy Annual Congress program offers an interesting package for both professionals and students, with 51 presentations subdivided into six sessions. I believe this congress will help us appreciate the beauty of the anatomy sciences and how we can all embrace the innovations and diversity in this transformative digital age. Lastly, on behalf of S-CAR, I would like to express my gratitude to our sponsors (UR, AUCA-ASOME, Operation Smile, and MMI) who have allowed this congress to happen.