Seth G. S. Medical College, Parel, Mumbai. Anonymous, Department of Anatomy, Seth G. S. Medical College, Parel, Mumbai 400012. 1997 p 128. Paperback.

Most of us are troubled by doubts and depression as we witness the general decline in standards of teaching and the shenanigans of those in charge of private medical colleges. This book offers solace and hope for here is a department attempting to build on past experience and extend its capabilities in a pioneering effort at imparting a clinical orientation to undergraduate anatomical education.

The preface emphasises: “… An understanding of the basic sciences is essential to a complete understanding of disease. Pathology and clinical medicine, in their turn, improve one’s perception of the basic sciences. Each elucidating the other, they are inextricably linked in a glorious, ever- expanding circle…The handbook is designed to serve as a compass rather than a road map… It lets (the student) know what is most relevant to later study… ”

Dr. S. M. Bhatnagar sets the pace by emphasising the relevance of anatomy to the medical student and to the doctor. Dr. M. L. Kothari talks of the joy of studying anatomy and travelling along the road that will serve both the student and his future patients without fail. Dr. Lopa Mehta, head of the department, succinctly discusses the ‘how’ of learning the subject, emphasising the use of both parietal lobes by an inquisitive mind that takes nothing for granted.

The next chapter provides a brief history of the department with thumbnail sketches of the various helmsmen from Dr. R. P. Koppikar to M. L. Kothari.

Subsequent chapters introduce the reader to the anatomy of the department of anatomy, its faculty, courses offered, the academic calendar, dissection schedule, description of diagrams to be drawn by each student in their journals and list of recommended texts.

The student is then told of the system of evaluation followed by the department. The top three levels consist of ‘May know’, ‘Desirable to know’ and ‘Must know’. Those ignorant of items grouped under ‘must know’ are deemed to have failed. They may have stumbled in understanding fundamental concepts (level four) or, indeed, have no concept at all (level five).

The appendix lists the syllabus prescribed by the University of Mumbai.

Why are we reviewing a book on anatomy in a journal on ethics?

First of all, the volume sets a moral tone throughout. Consider this statement under ‘Evaluation’ : “The maximum attention is paid… to provide such a milieu wherein students feel mentally and physically free to have independent thinking, healthy interaction amongst peers as well as with teachers and find their own self-confidence, self- reliance and creative potentials. To sum up, the student cultivates a healthy attitude towards life in general, and towards other human beings and life forms…” Lofty ideals, indeed, to be heartily applauded.

Secondly, the department has travelled far beyond its mandate. Let me provide an example. It has established a library of images – x-ray films, computerised tomographic and magnetic resonance images and sonographic studies – that help the candidate link what has been seen in the dissection hall to that seen in the living individual in the wards of the hospital.

The department also provides financial aid to needy students through donations from individuals, trusts and private funds in addition to that offered by the Municipal Corporation.

Finally, by guiding the student thus, with understanding and empathy, the volume sets a precedent that needs to be emulated by other departments in the same institutions and those in other institutions.