What Is Clinical Anatomy?—A Consensus Statement From the American Association of Clinical Anatomists
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: At the 42nd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) in Bellevue, Washington, June 2025, two inaugural events-the Clinical Anatomy Fireside Chat (CAFC) and the Clinical Anatomy Symposium: Head and Neck 2025 (CAS)-fostered rich dialogue on the evolving role and operational definition of clinical anatomy. Experts from various clinical and anatomical disciplines explored the meaning of clinical anatomy, highlighting the absence of a universal definition despite its frequent use in education and research. Through these interdisciplinary discussions, a consensus emerged: clinical anatomy is not defined solely by the possession of clinical credentials but by the integration of anatomical knowledge and clinical relevance, achieved most effectively through collaboration. Clinical anatomy education and research require different depths of clinical knowledge depending on the audience and objective, and meaningful collaboration can bridge gaps in expertise. The symposium further illustrated that high-quality clinical anatomy emerges from mutual respect and reciprocal insight between clinicians and anatomists. This article presents a consensus statement developed by AACA representatives and invited speakers, affirming that collaboration is not only foundational to the practice of clinical anatomy but also fundamental to its definition. These conclusions aim to guide future educational models, research strategies, and interdisciplinary partnerships in the field of clinical anatomy.
Source: Clinical Anatomy
DOI: 10.1002/ca.70040
Authors: Joe Iwanaga, Kathleen Bubb, Mathangi Rajaram‐Gilkes, Geoffroy Noel, Arada Chaiyamoon, David Ezra, Ameed Raoof, Guenevere Rae, Estomih P. Mtui, Alan J. Detton, Mahindra Kumar Anand, Kazzara Raeburn, Mi‐Sun Hur, Hee‐Jin Kim, Laligam N. Sekhar, Yoko Tabira, Koichi Watanabe, Mohammed K. Khalil, Anthony D' Antoni, Marios Loukas, Robert J. Spinner, Philip J. Adds, R. Shane Tubbs
Institutions: Kurume University, Tulane University, Ochsner Health System, Ochsner Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Geisinger College of Health Sciences, University of California San Diego, Khon Kaen University, Tel Aviv University, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, Columbia University, St. George's University, Daegu Catholic University, Yonsei University, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, University of Washington, University of South Carolina, Mayo Clinic, Szkoła Główna Mikołaja Kopernika, University of London, St George's, University of London, The University of Queensland
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,550
OpenAlex ID: W4415397154