Why to open an Institute of Anatomy to the public: opportunities for socially useful interactions.

In 1772 Antonio Scarpa (1752-1832), one of the most famous surgeons and anatomists in the world, started to prepare and collect natural preparations which included anatomical statues or body parts made from real corps. In his Index Rerum Musei Anatomici Ticinenis [1], he listed 350 speciments. This collection, thanks to Scarpa’s successors Bartolomeo Panizza (1785-1867) and Giovanni Zoja (1833-1899), was enlarged and used for lectures in a span of over one hundred and fifty years. This very precious collection, still preserved by the Anatomical Institute [2] of the University of Pavia, in the last years was the subject of renewed interest from when a certain number of students of the Medical Course were allowed to visit the collection. Thanks to the student’s enthusiasm, on March 2018 the anatomical collection was open to the public during the initiative “F.A.I. Spring Days”. In the course of 2019, it also was possible to organize some visits for local primary and high school students. Besides, the Centro Orientamento (C.OR.) of Pavia supports students by promoting their integration into the University system. In the last two years, in collaboration with C.OR., we organized different activities aimed at giving students information about ours Medical Courses and, during the INFODAY, the Anatomical Room and Collection represent one of the most stimulating moments for students. Visits offered a guided tours of our Institute allowing the vision of the Collection and practical experience on plastic 3D models. Finally, visitors and students can experience the use of Anatomage. Today in Italian universities dissection may not be economically feasible as it once was but, if combined with models and with the latest digital 3D modelling tools, prosecution component and digital dissection may be incorporated into any syllabus. These means certainly won’t replace a cadaver but they can assist students in visually conceptualizing complicated anatomical systems in a new-and cost effective way. Finally, in modern society the body is often shown and used incorrectly and in a misleadingly way. Opening Anatomy Institutes to the public during specially organized events could provide the public's curiosity with appropriate answers, reaffirming the value of anatomical discipline, science and knowledge and sensitize the population to body donation for study and research purposes. In this process, Medical Students can provide us qualified and enthusiastic help.