History
| Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education has been providing continuing medical education to health care professionals for almost twenty years. The idea for hands-on surgical technique workshops began in the spring of 1984 with a workshop on microsurgery at the base of the brain. The workshop was a tremendous success and demonstrated for the first time that the concept of bringing together a world renowned faculty with proper teaching materials would result in an outstanding practical hands-on learning experience for health care professionals. In 1985, a 3-dimensional video image was produced in the workshop, allowing participants to view teaching demonstrations as though they themselves were gazing through an operating room microscope. |  This revolutionary educational tool set a standard for future teaching and learning experiences. The curriculum expanded to include presentations on peripheral nerve and spine as well as brain anatomy and surgical procedures. |
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| In 1987 and 1988, workshops included the incorporation of a 3-D video monitor system that further improved the resolution of the 3-D viewing experience. A new preservation technique was also introduced at this time which permitted lifelike preservation of anatomical tissue without risk of odor or tissue destruction. The scope of workshops was expanded to include hands-on training in the fields of orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology and plastic surgery. In 1991, Practical Anatomy found a permanent home in the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society building and built a 26-workstation laboratory. | Unlike any other facility in the world, the laboratory was equipped with a sophisticated compressed air system to operate power drills. Each workstation was supplied with suction, irrigation, electrical power and audio visual accessories. This state of the art facility remains the model upon which other medical laboratories have been based. Clearly, it is the finest hands-on educational facility for health care professionals in the world. The first workshop held in the new facility was for operating room personnel. During the same year, Practical Anatomy obtained 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service enabling it to solicit donations. |
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| Also in 1991, Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education created Adventures In Medicine and Science (AIMS), a youth community outreach program which provides health and science education information to middle and high school students through a combination of hands-on learning opportunities and 3-dimensional video demonstrations. In 2002, AIMS extended its program to include visits to elementary schools. These programs introduce students to human anatomy and stimulate their awareness of good health practices. | In May 2002, AIMS began providing distance learning presentations originating from the AIMS Virtual Anatomy Classroom. The AIMS Virtual Anatomy Classroom can provide hands-on interactive field trips designed to enhance any science curriculum. Future plans include video conferencing surgeries to schools throughout the country. |
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| Practical Anatomy & Surgical Education became a division of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology of Saint Louis University School of Medicine in September 1998. This collaboration enhances Practical Anatomy's ability to continue to provide unique educational programs. Practical Anatomy has continued to increase the number of professional programs to more than 26 scheduled workshops in 2004 covering seven specialties as well as allied health programs. | The facility is also utilized by local and national medical organizations and medical instrument companies for training purposes. Future plans include the renovation of the facility to ensure an ideal environment conducive to learning and research, continued development of new workshops for both medical and non-medical audiences and expansion of the AIMS program to enhance educational outreach efforts. |
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