Welcome to the Class of M'05
  Medical Clinical Anatomy
  November 26, 2001
  
  
  Dear Class of M'05:
  
  
  It's a pleasure to welcome you to the Clinical Anatomy Home Page, 2002 version.  This
  site was created to answer many of the questions you may have about the course, and to
  prepare you for the first weeks of class.
  
  Clinical Anatomy commences on your first day back at school after the Winter Break, on
  January 2.  We begin with a morning orientation lecture at 11AM, followed by an
  afternoon session consisting of a lecture on the anterior thigh and your first anatomy lab. 
  
  In order to ease your adjustment to the quick-moving pace of the early weeks of the
  course, we will make the Course Syllabus available to you in the OSA before you leave for
  break (you will be emailed when it is ready).  The introductory pages of this syllabus will
  provide you with useful information, including a page on examination and grading policy,
  and a description of the online resources available on the HSDB.  To view the class
  schedule and book list, you may click on the appropriate links from the home page, or
  refer to the syllabus.
  
  In addition, you will be notified of the names of the other members of your dissection
  group.  These groups are randomly assembled, much in the same manner as PBL groups. 
  Our intent is to give you an opportunity to form working relationships with classmates you
  might otherwise not get to know.  Students will be working in groups of 6.
  
  It's a good idea to get together with the other members of your group before break.  That
  way you can make joint decisions regarding purchases of atlases, dissection manuals,
  gloves and instruments.  There will be some recycled books and instruments available to
  you at the first lab, so don't feel pressured to buy everything ahead of time.
  
  There are lockers in the basement and on the first floor of the M&V Building that will
  become available to you after December 10.  (It's customary for female students to
  occupy the first-floor lockers; men usually take the ones in the basement).
  
  It is entirely normal for you to be feeling some anxiety about going to lab for the first time. 
  Please be assured that most students quickly feel at home there after the first few days. 
  The best way to deal with any discomfort is to acknowledge it freely: talking things over
  with other students and staff can be helpful.  We encourage you to share your feelings and
  reactions to dissection, death and dying with us now and throughout the course.  In
  addition, the Wellness Committee has several activities and strategies designed to ease
  your adjustment.
  
  Good luck with your first semester final exams, and enjoy the holidays!  I am looking
  forward to meeting you when you return to school in January, and to introducing you to
  the rest of the teaching staff.  In the meantime, do not hesitate to email me if you have any
  concerns or questions.
  
  
  Myra B. Rufo, Ph.D.
  
  Course Director,
  Medical Clinical Anatomy
  
  myra.rufo@tufts.edu