Analysis of anatomy questions asked in Medical Specialization Exams in year 2000 and beyond

This study was carried out to analyze the trends by years in the distribution of subjects in anatomy questions asked in Medical Specialization Exams (TUS) in year 2000 and beyond. Anatomy questions asked in TUS in year 2000 and beyond were examined under basic anatomy and clinical anatomy headings based on the curriculum in medical faculties. A total of 506 anatomy questions, 10 each year until 2012 and 14 each year starting from 2012 spring, were evaluated. The questions were grouped in two as years 2000-2011 and 2012-2021. Of the 506 questions examined, 382 (75.49%) evaluated basic anatomy knowledge, while 121 (23.91%) evaluated clinical anatomy knowledge. It was found that 3 (0.59%) were cancelled by Student Selection And Placement Center (it is called OSYM in Turkey). It was found that 21 (4.22%) of the questions included figures or pictures. All of the questions were examined in terms of systems. Statistically significant increase was found in the number of questions on locomotor system anatomy, circulatory system anatomy, digestive system anatomy and urogenital system anatomy in 2012 and after (p<0.05). It was found that statistically higher number of questions were asked from circulatory, digestive and urogenital system anatomy between the years 2012 and 2021 (p<0.05). Although the number of questions evaluating basic anatomy knowledge decreased after 2012, the number of clinical anatomy questions was about 2 times higher, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There is a trend from basic anatomy to clinical anatomy in TUS questions in year 2012 and after. It has been shown that clinical anatomy knowledge in anatomy education given in medical faculties should be increased due to the increasing integration of anatomy with clinical branches.

Key words: TUS questions, basic anatomy, clinical anatomy, anatomy subjects