And That's Why I Breastfeed!
The Faculty of Medicine at Masaryk University is joining World Breastfeeding Week. An exhibition in the corridor showcases students' artwork.
Summer Dissection Course for Danish Students: Anatomy, Tradition, and Respect for Body Donors
Tradition, Anatomy, and International Collaboration. This year, Danish medical students have once again come to Brno to attend a two-week course in topographical anatomical dissection, offering them a unique hands-on experience in anatomical preparation, an opportunity to explore the culture and environment of Moravia, and a reminder of the invaluable role of body donation in medical education.
The Department of Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, is once again welcoming medical students from Denmark who have come to Brno to attend the traditional two-week course in topographical anatomical dissection. This long-standing international collaboration provides future physicians with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in anatomical dissection on cadavers and to deepen their knowledge of anatomy in an environment that combines academic excellence, historical tradition, and respect for body donors.
The course begins with a visit to the Anatomical Museum of the Faculty of Medicine, where students are introduced to the development of anatomy as a scientific discipline, the history of anatomical education in Brno, and the personalities who contributed to the establishment and growth of the Department of Anatomy. The introductory programme also includes professional instruction focused on laboratory safety, proper dissection techniques, and the ethical aspects of working with human remains.
Before the dissection course officially begins, all participants pay tribute to body donors by standing together for a symbolic minute of silence. This moment represents one of the most important parts of the introductory programme and serves as a reminder that the opportunity to study human anatomy is made possible by the generosity of individuals who donated their bodies after death for the education of future healthcare professionals. Respect for the human body and an awareness of responsibility toward body donors form an integral part of anatomical education at the Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University.
Throughout the course, students independently dissect individual anatomical regions under the supervision of experienced members of the Department of Anatomy, acquiring practical skills that cannot be fully replaced by digital models or virtual simulations. This year, the dissections are supervised by RNDr. Michaela Račanská, Ph.D., and MVDr. Ivana Pračková, Ph.D. Direct contact with anatomical structures enables students to gain a better understanding of the spatial relationships between organs, blood vessels, nerves, and other components of the human body.
In addition to intensive anatomical training, the Danish students also have the opportunity to explore Brno and its cultural and scientific attractions. The accompanying programme includes visits to the Moravian Karst, local wineries, the Brno Zoo, a mini-golf tournament, and a walk through Kraví hora Park, where they can view the unique installation of giant planetary models displayed as part of the Festival of Planets organized by the Brno Observatory and Planetarium. During the hot summer days, students can also enjoy leisure time at Brno’s swimming areas or by the Brno Reservoir. At the same time, Brno serves as an ideal starting point for exploring other European cities.
The course will conclude with the traditional anatomy quiz. In addition to anatomy-related questions, participants will also test their knowledge of the history of medicine and anatomy. This competitive format has become a popular highlight of the programme while also reminding students that modern medicine is built upon a long tradition of exploring and understanding the human body.
"The students arrive in Brno highly motivated and contribute to a very positive working atmosphere throughout the course. I greatly appreciate the fact that we have been able to maintain this tradition for more than fifty years. Such a long-standing and successful international collaboration is quite exceptional today and represents one of the great strengths of our department," says RNDr. Michaela Račanská, Ph.D.
The summer dissection course continues to represent a unique combination of high-quality anatomical education, international cooperation, and respect for those whose final gift makes the education of future physicians possible.
