The Past, Present, and Future: A Discussion of Cadaver Use in Medical and Veterinary Education

Cadaver usage in medical training, although controversial, has persisted over centuries. In veterinary education various methods have been proposed to either improve cadaver preservation, reduce cadaver use, or to replace cadavers entirely, but to date few have gained popularity. This manuscript seeks to: (i) describe the history of cadavers in medical and veterinary education; (ii) compare available cadaveric preservation methods; (iii) reflect on applications of cadaver use in the educational setting; (iv) discuss alternatives to traditional cadaver use; and (v) consider the perceptions of the stakeholders who use them.

Automated summary

This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cadaver usage in medical and veterinary education, analyzes different cadaveric preservation methods, explores the applications of cadaver use in educational settings, discusses alternatives to traditional cadaver use, and considers the perspectives of stakeholders who utilize cadavers.