My first exposure to anatomy came not in the form of plastic models, as is the custom at most undergraduate universities, but in the medical anatomy laboratory at William Carey University. Beginning in my freshman anatomy course, I learned the structures in a hands-on environment by viewing previously dissected cadavers. Seeing how muscles, vessels, nerves, and organs were oriented in respect to each other taught me to view the body not as separate parts but as a single, multi system unit. During my senior year, I took the Advanced Human Anatomy class where I had the opportunity to perform cadaveric dissection. The class expanded my previous knowledge of anatomy while teaching me how to properly dissect and respect cadavers. On my first day of medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, I felt confident in my ability to dissect, identify, and teach the human body. The foundation that Carey provided placed me in an advantageous position to begin my professional education.
