BACKGROUND
Neuroanatomy is a complex and fascinating subject that is often a daunting prospect for medical students. In fact, the fear of learning neuroanatomy has gained its own name – “neurophobia”.
OBJECTIVE
To tackle “neurophobia” by summarising twelve tips for dynamic and engaging neuroanatomy teaching.
METHODS
Tips were formulated based on our experiences as three senior medical students and evidence-based techniques.
RESULTS
The 12 tips are (1) Big concepts before fine detail, (2) Draw an annotated diagram, (3) Teach form and function together, (4) Group anatomy into systems, (5) Teach the vasculature, (6) Familiarise students with neuroimaging, (7) Use dissections for haptic learning, (8) Teach from clinical cases, (9) Build from first principles, (10) Try working in reverse, (11) Let the student become the teacher, (12) Let the student become the examiner.
CONCLUSIONS
These 12 tips can be used by teachers and students alike to provide a high-yield learning experience.