The Anatomy Demonstrator role nationally – how do they differ and why is it important? Abstract presented (oral) at the Winter Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Clinical Anatomists, Burton, UK

The teaching of anatomy within modern curricula in Medical Schools / Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is now varied across the UK. Has the role of the Anatomy Demonstrator also changed, and is there variability in the nature of the role across the country? A survey was devised and sent to medical schools registered with the UK Medical Schools Council collecting data on the current differences in the job description of this role. The survey collected data on factors that could vary between the Anatomy Demonstrator job description at 14 HEIs. The 14 HEIs that responded showed marked variation in the role and what it can offer potential candidates. Key differences included teaching qualifications gained varying with 8 (57.1%) HEIs offering a qualification, and of these, 4 institutions (50%) offering a full Post Graduate Certificate of Medical Education. Also of note were differing dissection opportunities offered to demonstrators with 7 medical schools (50%) offering dissection to their demonstrators alongside their teaching commitments. There were also variances in salary offered. With increased competition for specialist training posts in the UK for junior doctors, differences in Anatomy Demonstrator job descriptions can influence why an individual may or may not apply for a job in a particular area. This cross-sectional study aims to display the differences in these roles, offering HEIs a snap shot into what is offered as part of the job description elsewhere nationally at present, and a discussion as to why it’s important to consider.