Research Article
Challenges in Teaching Anatomy in Uganda: A National Survey of Educator Experiences
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
41-50
Received:
10 November 2025
Accepted:
19 November 2025
Published:
24 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmri.20260203.11
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Abstract: Anatomy education forms the foundation of medical training, providing essential knowledge for clinical practice and biomedical sciences. This study explored the experiences, teaching practices, and perceived challenges of anatomy educators across Ugandan medical schools. A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted among anatomy educators from accredited public and private medical schools. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire comprising both closed-ended and open-ended questions. A total of 46 educators participated, representing approximately 59% of the estimated national population of 78 anatomy educators. Respondents reported a range of teaching approaches, including traditional lectures, cadaveric dissection, and the use of online learning platforms. The most frequently reported challenges were limited opportunities for staff development (71.4%), overcrowding in dissection rooms (71.4%), cadaver shortages (57.1%), poor cadaver quality or inadequate dissection facilities (50.0%), understaffing (50.0%), and inadequate remuneration (42.9%). Qualitative findings highlighted concerns regarding career progression, infrastructure limitations, cadaver acquisition, and the need for stronger institutional and governmental support. Participants also emphasized the importance of professional associations, collaborative research, and faculty development initiatives in strengthening anatomy education. Despite these challenges, anatomy educators demonstrated commitment to delivering quality education and adapting to evolving teaching environments. The findings suggest a need for investments in faculty development, infrastructure improvement, ethical and sustainable cadaver acquisition systems, staffing, and research capacity. Strengthening these areas may enhance the quality and sustainability of anatomy education and contribute to the training of competent healthcare professionals in Uganda.
Abstract: Anatomy education forms the foundation of medical training, providing essential knowledge for clinical practice and biomedical sciences. This study explored the experiences, teaching practices, and perceived challenges of anatomy educators across Ugandan medical schools. A cross-sectional mixed-methods survey was conducted among anatomy educators f...
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Research Article
Incidence of Abnormal Coronary Artery Departures in Working-Age Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease
Khasanjanova Farida Odilovna*
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
51-56
Received:
7 January 2026
Accepted:
26 January 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmri.20260203.12
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Views:
Abstract: This paper investigates the prevalence of anomalous coronary artery origins among working-age individuals suffering from coronary artery disease, utilizing data from percutaneous coronary interventions. The research was conducted at the Samarkand Regional Branch of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Cardiology over a one-year period from January to December 2024. A total of 4,170 coronary angiographic examinations were performed in patients with suspected or confirmed CAD. Among these individuals, 35 patients were identified as having anomalous origins of the coronary arteries, corresponding to a prevalence of approximately 0.84% within the studied population. The study population primarily consisted of working-age individuals, highlighting the socio-economic importance of early detection and appropriate management of such anomalies. Coronary angiography was used as the primary diagnostic modality to identify and classify the anatomical variants. The analysis revealed a diverse spectrum of coronary artery anomalies. The most frequently observed anomaly was the circumflex artery (CA) originating from the right coronary artery (RCA), identified in 12 patients (34.3%). The second most common finding was the origin of the RCA from the aorta above the sinus of Valsalva, observed in 9 patients (25.7%). In 6 cases (17.1%), the RCA originated from the left sinus of Valsalva. Less frequent anomalies included the obtuse marginal (OB) artery originating from the right sinus of Valsalva in 4 patients (11.4%) and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) originating from the RCA in 3 patients (8.6%). A single rare case (2.9%) of a solitary coronary artery was also documented. In conclusion, anomalous coronary artery origins, while uncommon, are not rare among working-age patients with coronary artery disease. Awareness of their prevalence and anatomical variations is crucial for interventional cardiologists, as it facilitates accurate diagnosis, optimizes procedural strategies, and may reduce the risk of procedural complications. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic significance of these anomalies in patients undergoing PCI.
Abstract: This paper investigates the prevalence of anomalous coronary artery origins among working-age individuals suffering from coronary artery disease, utilizing data from percutaneous coronary interventions. The research was conducted at the Samarkand Regional Branch of the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center of Cardiology ove...
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