A Case for Reimagining Human Anatomy Learning
Case Western Reserve University’s Journey with HoloAnatomy®
In response to the evolving needs of medical education, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) pioneered a bold new approach to teaching anatomy. In a recent webinar, Dr. Susanne Wish-Baratz, Professor of Anatomy at CWRU, shared how the university developed and implemented the groundbreaking HoloAnatomy® platform, and the transformative impact it’s had on learners and educators alike.
Rethinking the Cadaver Lab
The development of HoloAnatomy began in 2014 as part of CWRU’s mission to build a future-ready curriculum for a new health education campus. Anatomy instruction traditionally reliant on cadavers, was a clear area for innovation. While foundational, cadaver labs presented challenges (fixed structures, high resource demands, limited collaborative learning) and would not be part of the new campus. HoloAnatomy emerged as a response: a mixed reality solution that delivers anatomically precise, interactive, and spatially immersive experiences.
Meticulously Drawn Anatomical Art
A key design decision was to use stylized, hand-drawn anatomical models created with medical experts instead of scanned cadaveric images. This choice served both educational and practical purposes. Simplified visuals reduce cognitive load, helping students focus on clinically relevant structures without distractions from unnecessary tissue detail. This approach also laid the foundation for animation, explosion, or rotation to enhance comprehension in ways static cadavers can’t.
Validating Learning Outcomes
CWRU prioritized research to validate the platform before adoption. Controlled trials revealed that students using HoloAnatomy learned more efficiently, with some achieving the same or better outcomes in less time. Preliminary data also pointed to improved retention and spatial understanding. Students reported reduced fatigue and greater engagement, while instructors gained tools for real-time, interactive guidance through synchronized headsets and holographic annotations.
From Pilot to Standard Practice
CWRU adopted a phased implementation, starting with pilot groups before scaling to full cohorts. Today, every first-year medical student learns anatomy through HoloAnatomy, with full faculty support and ongoing technical training. The platform’s success at CWRU has spurred adoption at other institutions across North America and abroad.
The Future of Immersive Anatomy Learning: HoloAnatomy®.Next
As immersive learning continues to evolve, institutions are preparing the next major leap from AlensiaXR: HoloAnatomy.Next. Building on the strengths of the original platform, this version expands instructor control over lesson design, introduces advanced 3D manipulation and dissection, and adds animation while supporting more devices. With HoloAnatomy.Next, anatomy education is poised to become even more flexible, engaging, and learning-centered.
Watch the full webinar On-Demand to hear Dr. Wish-Baratz share these insights firsthand.
Download the HoloAnatomy eBook
Explore how leading institutions are transforming anatomy education with immersive technology. This free eBook covers the journey from lab innovation to proven learning outcomes plus practical insights on improving engagement, retention, and curriculum delivery in your program.