Assessment of the Impact of Fresh Frozen Cadaver Training on Anatomical Learning Among Medical Students

• Grant number: 25/10518-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Feres Eduardo Aparecido Chaddad Neto
• Grantee: Vinicius Santos Baptista
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Human anatomy is a fundamental component of medical education and has traditionally been taught through cadaveric dissection. However, factors such as the scarcity of body donations, high preservation costs, and logistical and ethical constraints have progressively limited the use of this practice in higher education. In parallel, alternative methods-such as synthetic models and digital platforms-have emerged. While useful, these alternatives fail to accurately replicate the complexity and variability of human tissues. In this context, fresh frozen anatomical specimens have gained prominence as a high-value educational resource, as they preserve the texture, coloration, and resistance of tissues, thereby bringing the learning environment closer to clinical reality.This project proposes a longitudinal, quasi-experimental study with a quantitative approach to evaluate the impact of an intensive human foot dissection course using fresh frozen cadavers on the acquisition and retention of anatomical knowledge among medical students. The intervention will take place at the Microneurosurgery Laboratory of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), with a total workload of 8 hours, including supervised theoretical and practical sessions. Validated assessment instruments-namely, a self-assessment questionnaire and an objective test of anatomical knowledge (TOCA-Foot)-will be administered at three time points: before the course, immediately after, and three months later. The sample will consist of 40 to 60 students, in accordance with the laboratory's capacity and current ethical regulations. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. This study will be conducted as a pilot project, aiming to assess the feasibility of the proposal and to generate preliminary evidence for future large-scale studies. It is expected that this initiative will contribute to the enhancement of teaching practices in medical education by integrating technical rigor, ethical responsibility, and methodological innovation. (AU)