Purpose
Clinical neuroanatomy poses a significant cognitive challenge for medical students due to its extensive content and complex anatomical relationships, often hindering engagement and preparedness for clinical training. Additionally, limited access to donor specimens and models that illustrate normal and pathological structures exacerbates this issue. To address these challenges and enhance student understanding and engagement, we incorporated a variety of instructional modalities into our clinical neuroanatomy curriculum.

Methods
Our recently revised curriculum consisted of guided, station-based laboratory sessions where learners examine dissected specimens, brain MRI/CT images, stained photographs, and 3D printed models. Collaborating with the University of Georgia BioImaging Research Center, we obtained MRIs of donor brains post-dissection. During laboratory sessions, students discussed these MRIs with clinical faculty, alongside hands-on examination and dissection of the brains. Other stations featured 3D printed models, including brain angiograms and cross-sections, to aid in visualizing complex relationships.

Results
The integration of multiple instructional modalities significantly enhanced student engagement and their ability to identify neuroanatomical structures in imaging and dissection. By reviewing donor brain MRIs, students improved their skills in translating images to physical specimens. The use of the brain angiogram 3D model facilitated a better understanding of vascular anatomy. Feedback indicated that students highly valued the hands-on, guided learning experience with actual specimens and 3D models.

Conclusions
Our neuroanatomy curriculum effectively increased student engagement and improved learning outcomes. In-house production of 3D models enhanced accessibility in the lab environment. By employing various instructional modalities, we facilitated better visualization and interaction with neuroanatomy, thereby reducing cognitive load and promoting a deeper understanding of the subject.