Mission of the Department of Anatomy

In accord with the mission of the School of Medicine, the Department of Anatomy will provide high-quality teaching of anatomical sciences to medical students and other students as needed.  The Department will conduct basic research and will foster an intellectual environment that encourages a sense of inquiry.  The Department will carry out its service responsibilities to the university and the southern Illinois region.  To help achieve these goals, the Department will maintain a working environment conducive to the professional and personal well-being of every member of the Department, and it will promote academic relationships with other colleges and departments that will help achieve the goals of teaching and research excellence at Southern Illinois University. 

Teaching:

The Faculty in Anatomy support the Education Mission of the School of Medicine.  The Faculty will maintain expertise and provide instruction of Human Anatomy in the Problem Based Learning curriculum for first-year medical students and other students as is appropriate.  The faculty will provide didactic teaching, lab apprenticeship, development and review of resource materials, curricular evaluation, small-group tutoring and other duties ancillary to curricular needs.  The human anatomy curriculum will include basic, applied, and clinical anatomy as well as introductions to diagnostic imaging, differential diagnosis, physical exam, surgery, and other components.  Faculty will provide impetus, instruction, challenge, and guidance regarding knowledge of the human body and its tissues both conceptually and through cadaveric and microscopic study.  Anatomy in the medical school curriculum offers a broad base of sub-disciplines comprised of practical and clinical gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology, histology and cell biology across four curricular units that span the first year of medical school:  a Cardiovascular-Respiratory-Renal Unit (CRR); a Sensorimotor Systems and Behavior Unit (SSB); an Endocrine-Reproductive-Gastrointestinal Unit (ERG); and a Doctoring Unit (DU).

Research:

The Faculty in Anatomy support the Research Mission of the School of Medicine as well as the "Strategic Plan" of Southern Illinois University.  In so doing, the faculty support national and international efforts to increase medical and basic science knowledge that ultimately may contribute to the health and well-being of humankind.  The faculty accepts the notion of ambassadorship and representation of the School of Medicine when we travel, consult, present research or otherwise professionally engage outside of the University setting. 

Service:

Faculty in Anatomy support the Service Mission of the School of Medicine as well as Southern Illinois University at large.  With fairness and impartiality, we will contribute to the work of various committees, groups and boards within the School of Medicine and the University.  We also extend this commitment of service to select groups, societies, boards or communities outside of the University that are essential to the professional character of our membership. 

Southern Illinois University is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin or sex in violation of Title VII.