The decline of embryology instruction within medical schools worldwide: how to adapt

Abstract

There has been a drastic decline in the hours devoted to embryology within medical curricula worldwide over the past century – the instructional hours have dwindled to an average of 7 hours within Canadian medical schools and 14 hours within the United States. Current evidence suggests that incorporating 3D animations and models into embryology teaching may improve learner outcomes. Incorporating new teaching methods may ensure that medical graduates meet the embryological competencies needed to practice medicine safely, in spite of restricted instructional time.