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

Human anatomy forms the foundation for clinical medicine; thus its place in the medical school curriculum deserves careful attention. In an attempt to provide guidance to decision-makers involved in clinical anatomy curriculum development at the medical school level, the Educational Affairs Committee of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA) developed this document, which defines the contours of a gross anatomy curriculum leading to the M.D. or D.O. degree. The main body of the document sets forth the anatomical concepts as well as the subject matter a student should master prior to graduation from medical school. The AACA seeks to ensure that all medical students receive thorough training in clinical anatomy and that each student, regardless of the institution attended, will be exposed to a curriculum that will provide a fundamental level of competence required for the practice of medicine.