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R-ISAM: a five-phase spiral framework for fully integrated anatomical sciences education

Design · All designs
Evidence · 2 claims (2 for) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 2 claims rest on one study

Description

R-ISAM is a five-phase spiral curriculum model integrating gross anatomy, histology, and embryology with radiology, surface anatomy, physical examination, and clinical reasoning. As the article states, "R-ISAM consists of five sequential phases that progressively integrate anatomical sciences with clinical reasoning, imaging interpretation, and procedural skills". The phases run from System Overview through Anatomical Radiology, Surface Anatomy, and System Examination to Integrated Clinical Anatomy, each building on the previous one. It is grounded in the spiral curriculum, Cognitive Load Theory, the ICAP framework, and alignment with CBME and Entrustable Professional Activities.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • Sustained collaboration between basic science and clinical faculty, including joint planning meetings, workshops, and peer observation
  • Robust infrastructure: digital repositories, simulation facilities, small-group learning spaces, and online platforms for integrated content and assessments
  • Student support mechanisms including peer mentoring, formative feedback, and targeted academic assistance

Constraints

  • Phases I and V are fixed, whereas Phases II, III, and IV can be rearranged or merged, expanded into four phases, or condensed into two
  • Phases I through IV can be planned and delivered within 8 to 10 weeks of a standard 16-week semester

Target Learners

  • Undergraduate medical students in Basic Sciences through Clerkship stages

Learning Goals

  • Integrated anatomical sciences knowledge
  • Clinical reasoning and physical examination skills
  • Radiology and imaging interpretation

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Almasi-Turk Sahar, Roozbehi Amrollah. (2026). The Roozbehi Integrated Spiral Anatomy Model (R-ISAM): a five-phase framework for fully integrated anatomical sciences education. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-026-09833-0
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id r-isam-five-phase-spiral-framework
title R-ISAM: a five-phase spiral framework for fully integrated anatomical sciences education
description R-ISAM is a five-phase spiral curriculum model integrating gross anatomy, histology, and embryology with radiology, surface anatomy, physical examination, and clinical reasoning.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-04
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — almasi-turk-sahar-2026

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