The Heersink School of Medicine provides state-of-the-art facilities that support learners across the continuum of medical education.
Located in Volker Hall, the Gross Anatomy Lab and Surgical Anatomy Lab support foundational anatomy education for students in healthcare training programs as well as advanced procedural and surgical training for clinicians. Through the generous gift of anatomical donors, learners are able to develop a deeper understanding of human anatomy, strengthen clinical and procedural skills, and translate anatomical knowledge into patient care.
Gross Anatomy Lab
The Gross Anatomy Lab provides hands-on cadaveric dissection experiences using formalin-embalmed anatomical donors. Students learn through direct exploration of human anatomy, allowing them to appreciate the three-dimensional organization of the human body in ways that complement classroom and digital resources. The Gross Anatomy Lab supports anatomy education for students in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Health Professions, and Nursing.
Surgical Anatomy Lab
The Surgical Anatomy Lab provides advanced procedural and surgical education using gently embalmed anatomical donors. This preservation method maintains greater tissue flexibility and more lifelike anatomical characteristics, creating opportunities for learners to practice in an anatomically realistic setting.
The laboratory supports training and continuing education for residents, fellows, and practicing clinicians. Experiences can be tailored to the needs of individual specialties and training programs and may include procedural skills such as intraosseous access, cricothyrotomy, chest tube placement, and ultrasound-guided procedures, as well as the refinement of surgical approaches.
Contact
For additional information about anatomy education and training or to schedule the Surgical Anatomy Lab, contact:
Jonathan Freind, MS
Director, Gross Anatomy & Surgical Anatomy Labs
205-934-4494
bella24@uab.edu
Will Brooks, PhD
Senior Director, Gross Anatomy & Surgical Anatomy Labs
205-934-7596
wbrooks@uab.edu