UC College of Medicine celebrates first graduates of undergraduate certificate in clinical anatomy

At this year's Spring Commencement, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine celebrated a first-of-its-kind milestone: two undergraduate students — John Jones and Kate Carey — graduated with a Bachelor of Science in medical sciences and became the inaugural graduates of the undergraduate certificate in clinical anatomy, a rigorous program directed by Andrew Thompson, PhD.

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is what it required of them. The certificate program includes the rare opportunity to learn anatomy through the hands-on study of human donors — one that is typically reserved for medical school.

"The opportunity to learn anatomy through dissection of human body donors is exceptionally rare at the undergraduate level," said Thompson, professor-educator in the Department of Medical Education. "The anatomy-related courses in the medical sciences program elevate this experience even further by integrating a clinical focus, an approach that is traditionally reserved for more advanced programs, such as medical school."

Beyond the anatomy lab, the certificate is designed to foster the kind of independent thinking that defines the best medical professionals. Thompson worked individually with both students to develop specialized independent studies, allowing them to perform advanced dissections and learn alongside medical students.

"Learning is most effective when it is purposeful," he said. "This certificate provides formal recognition for students who go the extra mile to develop a comprehensive foundation of anatomical knowledge — and because self-directed learning is critical for medical professionals, developing these skills at the undergraduate level offers a significant advantage."

For Carey, who plans to apply to medical school, the experience was transformative. Her independent study focused on head and neck anatomy, diving deep into one of the body's most complex and clinically relevant regions.

"Being able to spend extra time exploring structures layer by layer makes anatomy feel much more real and connected to patient care," Carey said. "In class, structures can seem very separate and organized, but in the lab, you realize how closely everything relates spatially and how important those relationships are clinically."

She added that the experience reshaped how she thinks — not just what she knows. "It pushed me to think critically rather than just memorizing structures. It also reminded me how important it is to approach medicine with curiosity and respect for the human body, which is something I'll carry with me throughout my career," Carey said.

Central to the program's existence is the College of Medicine's Body Donation Program, which makes it possible for students to learn from those who have generously chosen to contribute to medical education. Thompson described this as the gold standard of anatomy education — and a profound responsibility.

"The certificate could not exist without the Body Donation Program," he said. "This experience not only provides the best possible tools for mastering the subject, but also instills the profound sense of responsibility that comes when someone donates their body to further a student's education."

Reflecting on watching this first cohort cross the finish line, Thompson expressed deep pride in what Jones and Carey have accomplished — and optimism for what comes next.

"It has been incredibly rewarding to see John and Kate grow as learners," he said. "Teaching is most fulfilling when students are truly passionate about the material. This first cohort has reinforced exactly why creating this certificate was so essential, and I look forward to seeing all they achieve in the next chapters of their careers."

Featured image at top: (Pictured from left to right) Kate Carey; Andrew Thompson, PhD; and John Jones celebrate Spring 2026 commencement. Photo provided.