Dr. Jennifer Hotzman, vice chair of anatomy and associate professor of anatomy at Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM), recently presented research on integrating public health concepts into anatomy education at the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA) Congress in Melbourne, Australia, joining anatomy educators and researchers from around the world.
Hotzman delivered an oral presentation titled, "Public Health Anatomy Modules: Enhancing Cadaveric Dissection Experience with Public Health Content," highlighting innovative approaches to incorporating public health principles into cadaveric dissection and anatomy instruction.
The IFAA Congress brings together anatomy educators, researchers and professionals from around the world to share research, teaching practices and emerging developments in the field. The 2025 conference marked Hotzman's second opportunity to present at an IFAA meeting, following her participation in the 2024 congress in Gwangju, South Korea.
"IFAA offers a unique opportunity to truly get a global perspective on the state of anatomy as a profession," Hotzman said. "While conferences in the United States have international participants, they are still dominated by U.S. perspectives. At IFAA, U.S. participants were in the minority and seeing how anatomy is taught around the world is incredibly valuable to me as an educator."
Hotzman said the conference provided opportunities to reconnect with colleagues she met during previous IFAA meetings and to establish new professional relationships that may lead to future collaborations.
"The sessions I attended were enlightening and thought-provoking," she said. "I also had great attendance and engagement during my presentation. I cannot overstress the value diverse perspectives bring me on both a personal and professional level. Opportunities such as this one do not come along often, so I am always grateful when I am able to participate in them."
Hotzman was one of two LMU-DCOM faculty members who attended the congress. Her participation reflects LMU's commitment to advancing excellence in health professions education through scholarship, innovation and international engagement.
About LMU-DCOM
The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine is located on the campus of Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, at LMU-Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, and at LMU Orange Park in Orange Park, Florida. LMU-DCOM is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of osteopathic physicians to provide health care in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond. For more information about LMU-DCOM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 7082, email dcom@LMUnet.edu, or visit us online at http://med.LMUnet.edu.
