A clinical anatomy curriculum for the medical student of the 21st century: developmental anatomy.

An understanding of human developmental anatomy provides a fundamental framework for the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of patients with congenital clinical entities, a significant population of any medical practice. Therefore, the regard afforded the study of developmental anatomy in the medical curriculum deserves thoughtful attention. In an effort to provide guidance in designing an undergraduate medical curriculum that properly addresses developmental anatomy, the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) developed this clinical anatomy curriculum in developmental anatomy. It outlines the subject matter and principles that will not only allow the physician to recognize and treat congenital diseases, but will also provide a solid basis for the incorporation of future discoveries, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of molecular developmental anatomy. The AACA seeks to ensure that all medical students receive thorough training in developmental anatomy and that each student, regardless of the institution attended, will be exposed to a curriculum that will provide the necessary competence and confidence for the effective practice of medicine in the 21st century. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.