Work

Bridging the gap: a survey of resident physicians’ needs for cross-sectional anatomy education and a collaborative teaching framework

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional anatomy is essential for clinical imaging interpretation, yet many medical curricula lack systematic training for clinical students. This study assessed needs among resident physicians and proposed a collaborative education framework. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 130 resident physicians from Zhejiang University-affiliated hospitals (June-August 2025) evaluated knowledge gaps, clinical challenges, and preferences using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 130 respondents (53% female, 58% aged 26-30), 74% reported no formal cross-sectional anatomy training, despite 88% citing high clinical needs. Top challenges included anatomical positioning (45%), with surgery residents showing greatest urgency (95%). Preferences favored clinical-basic science collaboration (64% "very important"), blended online-offline formats (57%), and 3D imaging (71%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant educational gaps persist in cross-sectional anatomy, underscoring the need for collaborative models integrating clinical cases and technology. This framework can guide curriculum reforms to enhance imaging competency and patient safety in global medical education.

Source: BMC Medical Education

DOI: 10.1186/s12909-026-08567-3