Many medical centers offer courses to teach physicians the techniques involved in emergency care for trauma patients.  The best of these trauma courses offer training using human cadavers and life-like simulators to demonstrate and allow development of invasive trauma skills.

Students and instructors alike agree that the learning experience is enhanced when training is based entirely on human anatomy.  Additionally, the cost advantage can be significant.  The University of Maryland Medical System in Baltimore is one training center leading the way with an innovative program using life-like simulators and human cadavers.   Philip Militello, M.D., an instructor at Maryland, explains, “It has become clear that students enjoy doing the procedures on a human cadaver specimen because of the identical scenarios, landmarks, and the hands-on experience.  It mirrors the clinical scenario and is very well received.”

For an inside look at the University of Maryland Medical System’s state-of-the-art program,
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• Emergency Care of the Trauma Patient: Human Cadavers and Simulators Offer Advantages over Animal Laboratories

• Listing of cities where simulator and/or human cadaver-based advanced trauma courses are currently offered.

• Information on access to cadaveric specimens for medical centers

Founded in 1985, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is a nonprofit organization supported by nearly 5,000 physicians and 100,000 laypersons.  PCRM promotes preventive medicine through innovative programs, encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research, and advocates broader access to medical services.