Vascular Abnormalities in a Pelvic Ectopic Kidney: How a Dissection-Based Program Improves the Knowledge of Clinical Anatomy

Abstract

Anatomy is a vital basic science for safe and effective medical practice and its significance increases several folds when it is taught in a clinically relevant manner. In today's time-compressed modern medical curricula, the importance of dissection-based anatomy programs is integral to teaching–learning outcome. Sound anatomical knowledge is critical to safe clinical and surgical practice as it is fundamental to the career of future doctors. In this pictorial essay, we present a case of a left ectopic pelvic kidney during one of the faculty-guided dissection sessions at the Alfaisal University. Such an anomaly motivated students to perform further meticulous dissection and to engage in detailed discussions after identifying associated abnormal findings. It is believed that these practices at the very start of the medical journey of students will effectively enhance their clinical reasoning skills by integrating basic and clinical anatomy.