Submitted by Emily Rigby on Mon, 15/12/2025 - 14:48
At the end of November, the Human Anatomy Centre, within PDN, hosted the winner of the 2025 International Anatomy Immersion Award, Australian 3rd year Medical student Zac Thornton. Coming during its inaugural year, the program offered by the Australian Institute of CPD Standards and Miga, gives one outstanding medical student in Australia the chance to join us at PDN for a three-week preclinical anatomy program.
The award aims to expand global networks, enhance learning through the University of Cambridge, strengthen the recipients foundation in clinical anatomy and medical education, develop skills in leadership, academic curiosity and lifelong learning, return to Australia as an 'Ambassador of Possibility' and share their insights at the AIcpdS Annual Conference.
"My time with the PDN was a deeply rewarding experience." says Zac "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be welcomed into the teaching environment and to have contributed to the education of first and second-year medical students in the DR. The generosity of the staff and students, and the departments’ strong emphasis on anatomy, physiology and their clinical relevance, strengthened my approach to learning and teaching. If I was able to meet you, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. This experience has definitely had a lasting influence on my future medical career!”
Teaching Professor of Human Anatomy at PDN, Cecilia Brassett said, "Throughout his 3-week placement at the Human Anatomy Centre, Zac was an active and enthusiastic participant at all the teaching sessions. His excellent anatomical knowledge meant that he could help our preclinical students as one of our anatomy demonstrators during their practical classes. He attended lectures and applied anatomy seminars, as well as showing interest in the research projects being done by our third-year students. We greatly enjoyed having him with us and the placement was definitely mutually beneficial."
Image credits: Zac Thornton