From Concept to Community of Practice in Anatomical Ethics and Professionalism: 5 Years of the 'Bioethics Unicorns' Education Initiative
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| Title: | From Concept to Community of Practice in Anatomical Ethics and Professionalism: 5 Years of the 'Bioethics Unicorns' Education Initiative |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jon Cornwall (ORCID |
| Source: | Anatomical Sciences Education. 2026 19(5):764-775. |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Anatomy, Ethics, Professionalism, Communities of Practice, Science Teachers, Educational Resources, Ethical Instruction, Medical School Faculty |
| DOI: | 10.1002/ase.70197 |
| ISSN: | 1935-9772 1935-9780 |
| Abstract: | The topics of ethics and professionalism in anatomy have only recently gained prominence within the discipline, reflecting trends in medical and health professions education and an increasing awareness of societal expectations around the use of the dead. Educators in anatomy have had limited access to specific resources and no established communities of practice to support their understanding and teaching of these subjects. This article traces the journey of three anatomy educators who addressed this gap by developing dedicated educational resources for use in anatomy teaching. The initiative began in 2020 with the creation of a suite of freely available resources designed to provide accessible, engaging content for educators. Next, the project expanded to include quarterly webinars to facilitate dialog and knowledge exchange, as well as in person sessions at anatomical conferences that have fostered professional networking and collaborations. Over time, what began as a resource-driven initiative evolved into a broader movement. By 2025, this journey has culminated in the establishment of an active community of practice and the adoption of the moniker "Bioethics Unicorns" that has come to represent the initiative. This article reflects on the stages of this journey, the development of the resources and community of practice, and provides advice for those wishing to develop educational initiatives for education in their own communities. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506397 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | The topics of ethics and professionalism in anatomy have only recently gained prominence within the discipline, reflecting trends in medical and health professions education and an increasing awareness of societal expectations around the use of the dead. Educators in anatomy have had limited access to specific resources and no established communities of practice to support their understanding and teaching of these subjects. This article traces the journey of three anatomy educators who addressed this gap by developing dedicated educational resources for use in anatomy teaching. The initiative began in 2020 with the creation of a suite of freely available resources designed to provide accessible, engaging content for educators. Next, the project expanded to include quarterly webinars to facilitate dialog and knowledge exchange, as well as in person sessions at anatomical conferences that have fostered professional networking and collaborations. Over time, what began as a resource-driven initiative evolved into a broader movement. By 2025, this journey has culminated in the establishment of an active community of practice and the adoption of the moniker "Bioethics Unicorns" that has come to represent the initiative. This article reflects on the stages of this journey, the development of the resources and community of practice, and provides advice for those wishing to develop educational initiatives for education in their own communities. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1935-9772 1935-9780 |
| DOI: | 10.1002/ase.70197 |
