Melissa A Carroll

George Washington University | GW · Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology

Few research articles have addressed the anatomical needs of entry-level occupational therapy students. Given this paucity of empirical evidence, there is a lack of knowledge regarding anatomical education in occupational therapy. This article will primarily serve as a retrospective look at the inclusion of anatomical education in the occupational...

Cognitive aging can produce morphological brain changes that contribute to cognitive impairments different from the neuropathological presentation of disease. To understand age-related changes to human cognition, it is important to recognize normal morphological changes that occur within the aging brain. The purpose of this narrative review is to f...

Unique variants of the pectoralis major and biceps brachii were found during a routine student dissection of a 96-year-old Caucasian female’s axilla and brachium. The donor cadaver had bilateral presentation of a muscle originating from the pectoralis major, near the lateral lip of the intertubercular groove, extending obliquely to insert on the me...

Variants of the axillary artery and brachial plexus were found bilaterally in the axilla of an 86-year-old Asian female. On the left, the cadaver donor had a high bifurcation of the second part of the axillary artery, creating a superficial brachial artery. Meanwhile, the right axilla presented with root, trunk, and cord variations in the formation...

Survey‐based research is vital in education and social sciences, offering insights into human behaviors and perceptions. The prevalence of such studies in medical education has risen by 33% over the past decade. Despite this growth, the utility of survey findings depends on the study design quality and measure validity. Many manuscripts are rejecte...

Systematic reviews and meta‐analyses aggregate research findings across studies and populations, making them a valuable form of research evidence. Over the past decade, studies in medical education using these methods have increased by 630%. However, many manuscripts are not publication‐ready due to inadequate planning and insufficient analyses. Th...

There are many variations of anatomy courses taught in accredited physician assistant (PA) programs in the United States. Course directors and program leadership must choose how to effectively deliver content within their program constraints. Our anatomy course has faced challenges related to instructional time for didactic and laboratory sessions,...

Objectives: Investigate the prevalence and contextualize the relationship of impostor phenomenon (IP) and ambiguity tolerance (AT) in practicing physical therapists (PTs). Methods: Online survey including demographic questions, Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), and Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale (TAS). Descriptive analyses assessed (N = 422...

The pelvic region is a complex three-dimensional conglomeration of muscles, fascias, nerves, vessels, and viscera in an osteoligamentous ring. Unfortunately, the use of dissection limits the comprehension of the pelvic region because of the donor-cadaver's thin, possibly atrophied muscles. Virtual reality is also limited in accurately rendering the...

Scientific societies have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in science in academia. The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) can serve as a model of best practice for other professional associations working to become more inclusive of individuals from historically underrepresented group...

In 2021, the American Association for Anatomy (AAA) Board of Directors appointed a Task Force on Structural Racism to understand how the laws, rules, and practices in which the Association formed, developed and continues to exist affect membership and participation. This commentary is the first public report from the Task Force. We focus on African...

awarded the 2021 APTA of PA best research award

As organizations that facilitate collaboration and communication, scientific societies have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to drive inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in science in academia. The American Association for Anatomy (AAA), with its expressed and practiced culture of engagement, can serve as a model of best practice f...

This viewpoint proposes eight anatomy threshold concepts related to physical therapist education, considering both movement system theory and anatomical competence. Movement system theory provides classifications and terminology that succinctly identifies and describes physical therapy practice from a theoretical and philosophical framework. The ca...

A need currently exists for the establishment of anatomy learning objectives for physical therapist education programs. Developing recommended anatomy objectives to serve as a curricular guide may foster more consistent student outcomes while preserving instructional autonomy. These objectives could serve as a vital resource when making decisions d...

Background and Objectives Gross anatomy guidelines and recommendations are available for pre‐clinical medical faculty, however there is no consensus regarding anatomy student learning objectives for physical therapist education (PTE) programs. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) requirements for gross anatomic cont...

The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinician satisfaction and perceived level of accomplishment with an instructional pelvic dissection video. Accomplishment was measured in three domains: (1) technical quality, (2) instructional relevance and (3) usefulness. The researchers originally created the video as an educational intervention for a p...

The Canalith Repositioning Procedure (CRP) was originally described as a non-invasive treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by Epley. Since its inception, the maneuver has undergone several modifications; and currently is performed in the absence of induced mastoid vibration (oscillation). Clinically, mastoid vibration may be us...

The use of simulation to develop incision and drainage skills for physician assistant students is essential to increase the confidence of students to perform this common outpatient procedure. Institutions already employing cadaveric models for anatomy education will be able to incorporate this cost-effective and easily-reproducible model into skill...

This pilot study set out to investigate influential factors for students during their application to an entry‐level allied health training program. Specific factors of interest were prior exposure to dissection materials. Research shows that allied health students perceive the dissection process as valuable, however student evaluation of the requir...

Developing effective opposite-race mentorships in the STEM fields may contribute to minority student retention. Paying attention to the dynamics of race within the protégé's professional and psychosocial growth may positively influence academic advancement and professional longevity. The current paper will provide mentors with a suggested mentorshi...

Review of: Scientific Integrity: Text and Cases in Responsible Conduct of Research, 4th ed; Francis Macrina; (2014). ASM Press, Washington, DC. 440 pages.

The 18th Century brought about a revolutionary movement that transformed traditional methods of treatment. The 20th Century gave structure and importance to occupations as a therapy. First mentioned in WWI, “Reconstruction Aides” relied on a combination of behavioral and anatomical knowledge to rehabilitate soldiers with injuries that were incompat...

Delayed corneal reepithelialization is a complication of diabetes, and may lead to ulcers and erosions, which cause ocular morbidity and visual loss. This study examined the efficacy of naltrexone (NTX), a long-acting, potent opioid antagonist, applied topically, to facilitate the repair of standardized corneal abrasions in diabetic (alloxan-induce...