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American Association for Anatomy
AbbreviationAAA
Pronunciation
  • /əˈmɛrɪkən əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən fɔːr əˈnætəmi/
PredecessorAssociation of American Anatomists
FoundedSeptember 17, 1888; 136 years ago (1888-09-17)
FounderJoseph Mellick Leidy
Founded atWashington D.C.
TypeNonprofit Scientific Organization
23-6239047
Legal status501(c)(3) organization
PurposeAdvancement of anatomical science, research, and education
HeadquartersRockville, Maryland, United States
Region served
Worldwide
Membership2,552 (2024)
President
Anne Burrows, PhD
President-Elect
Ralph Marcucio, PhD
Past President
Martine Dunnwald, PharmD, PhD, FAAA
Secretary/Treasurer
Raj Ettarh, PhD
  • Four (4) Officers
  • Ten (10) Non-Officers
  • One (1) Non-Voting Ex-Officio Director
Main organ
Board of Directors
Publication
Affiliations
  • Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
  • International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA)
  • Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Council of Faculty and Academic Societies (CFAS)
  • Society for Craniofacial Genetics Developmental Biology (SCGDB)
Revenue3,00,435 USD (2024)
Expenses2,649,428 USD (2024)
Staff9 (2023)
Volunteers110 (2023)
Award(s)
  • Henry Gray Distinguished Educator Award
  • Henry Gray Scientific Achievement Award
  • Basmajian Award
  • A.J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award
  • Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy (FAAA)
Websiteanatomy.org

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA), is an international scientific society of biomedical researchers and educators committed to advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development.[1] Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, the association was established in 1888 in Washington, D.C., as the Association of American Anatomists to promote the "advancement of anatomical science."[2] It was renamed in 1908[3] as the American Association of Anatomists, before adopting its current name in 2019 to reflect the evolving scope of anatomical science and its interdisciplinary reach.[4]

AAA's membership comprises professionals specializing in the structural and functional foundations of health and disease. Its members play a central role in educating students in the health professions, particularly during their foundational training. In addition to teaching, AAA members conduct research in a broad range of fields, including imaging, cell biology, genetics, molecular development, endocrinology, histology, neuroscience, forensics, microscopy, and physical anthropology.

The organization supports the anatomical sciences through a variety of initiatives, including professional development programs, scientific meetings, and the publication of peer-reviewed journals.

History

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The Association of American Anatomists was founded in 1888 with the primary objective of advancing the study and teaching of anatomy in the United States. The AAA was organized during a meeting at Georgetown University in the evening of September 17, 1888.[5][6][7] These founding officers were elected:

  • President, Dr. Joseph Leidy, of Philadelphia
  • Vice Presidents, Dr. Frank Baker, of Washington & Dr. F. D. Weisse of New York
  • Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. A. H. P. Leuf, of Philadelphia
  • Executive Committee Member, Dr. Harrison Allen, of Philadelphia
  • Executive Committee Member, Dr. Burt G. Wilder, of Ithaca
  • Executive Committee Member, Dr. A. C. Bernays, of St. Louis
Scan of 1888 Newspaper Announcement of the Association of American Anatomists' Founding Meeting.
Photo of Joseph Leidy, first President of the AAA.
Photo of Joseph Leidy, first President of the AAA.

Initially, the organization served as a professional forum for anatomists to exchange research findings and foster scientific collaboration in an era when anatomical science was rapidly evolving alongside advances in medicine and biology.[2]

Florence R. Sabin, first woman President of the AAA.
Florence R. Sabin, first woman President of the AAA.

In 1901, the first issue of the Proceedings of the American Association of Anatomists was published in the American Journal of Anatomy.[8]

In 1908, Florence R. Sabin became the first woman officer. She was subsequently elected as the first female President in 1924.[9][8]

In 1917, membership reached over 300 members.[8]

In 1937, the AAA hosted its first meeting outside of the United States, in Toronto, Canada.[8]

In 1986, membership reacher over 5,000 members.[8]

In 1996, the AAA annual meeting was held as part of the larger Experimental Biology conference for the first time.[8]

Over the ensuing decades, AAA expanded its scope beyond traditional human anatomy to encompass a broad array of anatomical sciences, including developmental biology, neuroscience, and cell biology. In 2019, the association officially changed its name from the American Association of Anatomists to the American Association for Anatomy. This change was made to better represent the diversity of scientific fields within its membership and to reflect the broader scope of anatomical sciences promoted by the association in the 21st century.

The association publishes a number of peer-reviewed journals such as The Anatomical Record, Anatomical Sciences Education, and Developmental Dynamics. Additionally, the association organizes scientific meetings and educational symposia, funding research and travel grants, and promoting equity and inclusion within the anatomical sciences. The AAA has supported the development of subspecialty organizations such as the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA).

List of presidents of the American Association of Anatomists, including their terms of service and notable contributions
No. Name Term Start Term End Notable Contributions
1 Joseph Leidy 1888 1889 Founding president; established initial organizational goals.
2 Harrison Allen 1891 1894
3 Thomas Dwight 1894 1895
4 Frank Baker 1895 1897
5 Burt Green Wilder 1898 1899
6 George S. Huntington 1899 1903 Editorial board of the American Journal of Anatomy, and the Anatomical Record
7 Charles S. Minot 1903 1905 Editorial board of the American Journal of Anatomy, and the Anatomical Record
8 Franklin P. Mall 1905 1908 Establishment of the American Journal of Anatomy, and the Anatomical Record.
9 James P. McMurrich 1908 1909 Editorial board of the American Journal of Anatomy
10 George A. Piersol 1909 1911 Editorial board of the American Journal of Anatomy
11 Ross G. Harrison 1911 1913
12 Gotthelf C. Huber 1913 1915 Editorial board of the American Journal of Anatomy, and the Anatomical Record
13 Henry H. Donaldson 1915 1917 Editorial board of the American Journal of Anatomy
14 Robert R. Bensley 1917 1920
15 C. F. W. McLure 1920 1921
16 Clarence M. Jackson 1921 1924
17 Florence R. Sabin 1924 1926
18 George L. Streeter 1926 1928
19 Charles R. Stockard 1928 1930
20 Herbert M. Evans 1930 1932
21 George E. Coghill 1932 1934
22 Warren Harmon Lewis 1934 1936
23 Frederic T. Lewis 1936 1938
24 S. Walter Ranson 1938 1940
25 Philip E. Smith 1940 1942
26 Edgar Allen 1942 1943
27 J. Parsons Schaeffer* 1943 1946
28 George W. Corner 1946 1948
29 George W. Bartelmez 1948 1950
30 Sam L. Clark 1950 1952
31 Leslie B. Arey 1952 1954
32 Samuel R. Detwiler 1954 1956
33 Edward A. Boyden 1956 1957
34 Barry J. Anson 1957 1958
35 Davenport Hooker 1958 1959
36 Normand Louis Hoerr** 1959 1960
37 H. Stanley Bennett** 1959 1960
38 Edward W. Dempsey 1960 1961
39 Harold Cummins 1961 1962
40 Charles P. Leblond 1962 1963
41 Horace W. Magoun 1963 1964
42 Charles Mayo Goss 1964 1965
43 Don Wayne Fawcett 1965 1966
44 Donald Duncan 1966 1967
45 Karl E. Mason 1967 1968
46 Richard J. Blandau 1968 1969
47 Roland H. Alden 1969 1970
48 Raymond Carl Truex 1970 1971
49 David Bodian 1971 1972
50 William U. Gardner 1972 1973
51 John W. Everett 1973 1974
52 Russel T. Woodburne 1974 1975
53 John C. Finerty 1975 1976
54 Carmine D. Clemente 1976 1977
55 Newton B. Everett 1977 1978
56 Berta V. Scharrer 1978 1979
57 Daniel C. Pease 1979 1980
58 Sanford L. Palay 1980 1981
59 Elizabeth D. Hay 1981 1982
60 John E. Pauly 1982 1983 Edited book on history and membership of AAA[10]
61 Allen C. Enders 1983 1984
62 A. Kent Christensen 1984 1985
63 John V. Basmajian 1985 1986
64 Douglas E. Kelly 1986 1987
65 Henry J. Ralston, III 1987 1988
66 Roger R. Markwald 1988 1989
67 Jerome Sutin 1989 1990
68 Karen R. Hitchcock 1990 1991
69 Wiliam P. Jollie 1991 1992
70 Alan Peters 1992 1993
71 Donald A. Fischman 1993 1994
72 Charles E. Slonecker 1994 1995
73 Michael D. Gershon 1995 1996
74 Gary C. Schoenwolf 1996 1997
75 Bruce M. Carlson 1997 1999
76 Robert D. Yates 1999 2001
77 John F. Fallon 2001 2003
78 Robert S. McCuskey 2003 2005
79 Kathy Svoboda 2005 2007
80 David Burr 2007 2009
81 Kathryn Jones 2009 2011
82 Jeffrey T. Laitman 2011 2013
83 Lynn Opperman 2013 2015
84 Kimberly Topp 2015 2017
85 Phil Brauer 2017 2019 Lead name change to American Association for Anatomy
86 Rick Sumner 2019 2021
87 Valerie DeLeon 2021 2023
88 Martine Dunnwald 2023 2025
89 Anne Burrows 2025 2027
90 Ralph Marcucio 2027 2029

*Dr. Schaeffer served as acting president following the death of Edgar Allen on February 3, 1943. He served until the next association meeting.[7]

**Dr. Hoerr was elected President-Elect for the 1958–1959 term but died in December 1958 before taking office. At the time of his death, Dr. Don Fawcett was serving as First Vice President and Dr. Stanley Bennett as Second Vice President. Dr. Fawcett declined the appointment to complete Dr. Hoerr’s term as President, and Dr. Bennett subsequently agreed to serve as President of the American Association for Anatomy for the 1959–1960 term.

Governance and structure

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The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) operates as a non-profit organization incorporated in the United States, with its headquarters located in Rockville, Maryland. The association is governed in accordance with its official bylaws, which define its structure, operational procedures, and the responsibilities of its leadership bodies.[11]

The principal governing body of the AAA is its Board of Directors, which is responsible for establishing strategic direction and overseeing the organization's overall operations and fiduciary responsibilities. The Board includes elected officers such as the President, President-Elect, and Past President, as well as other members-at-large who represent various sectors of the anatomical sciences community.[12] Supporting the Board’s functions is the Executive Committee, which includes the key officers and provides leadership on administrative and policy matters between full Board meetings.[13]

Publications

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The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) publishes three major peer-reviewed journals: Anatomical Sciences Education, The Anatomical Record, and Developmental Dynamics.[4] These journals are published in partnership with Wiley.

Anatomical Sciences Education, founded in 2008, is an international journal dedicated to the promotion of excellence in teaching and learning in the anatomical sciences. It publishes original research, reviews, and commentaries on educational methods, curriculum development, assessment strategies, and professional development for educators.[14] It operates under a hybrid open access model, offering authors the option to make their articles freely available. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 5.2 in 2023.[15]

The Anatomical Record, founded in 1906, is one of the oldest continuously published journals in the field of anatomy. It focuses on experimental and comparative studies that explore structure-function relationships in cells, tissues, and organisms.[16] The journal encompasses a wide range of topics, including evolutionary biology, functional morphology, and imaging. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 1.8 in 2023.[17]

Page from a 1906 issue of The Anatomical Record.
Page from a 1906 issue of The Anatomical Record.

Developmental Dynamics, originally launched as The Journal of Anatomy and Embryology in 1901, publishes research in developmental biology with a particular emphasis on molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms underlying embryonic and postnatal development.[18] The journal also features work that intersects with regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. It provides authors the option for open access publishing. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 2 in 2023.[19]

Annual and regional meetings

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The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) hosts an annual scientific meeting titled Anatomy Connected, which serves as the organization’s flagship event for members across research, education, and professional development in the anatomical sciences.[20] Formerly held as part of the multi-society Experimental Biology conference until 2022, AAA transitioned to hosting a fully independent meeting starting in 2023.[21]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAA successfully transitioned to a virtual format beginning in 2020, offering online conferences.

Annual meetings of the American Association for Anatomy from 2018 to 2025, including locations, attendance figures, and notable events
Year Location Attendees Notes
2018 San Diego, CA 1,034 Special events included 130th Anniversary reception[22]
2019 Orlando, FL 1,032
2020 Virtual Originally scheduled for San Diego, CA, replaced by Virtual Anatomy Meeting Week[23]
2021 Virtual Virtual format due to COVID-19 pandemic
2022 Philadelphia, PA Final meeting as part of Experimental Biology
2023 Washington D.C. First meeting as Anatomy Connected
2024 Toronto, Canada 1,140
2025 Portland, OR

Since becoming a standalone event, Anatomy Connected has continued to grow as a dedicated forum for advancing anatomical science, offering a focused, collaborative environment tailored to the needs of the anatomy community. The second stand standalone meeting was held March 22-25, 2024 in Toronto, Canada and had 1,140 attendees.[24]

AAA also host an annual regional meeting. In 2024, the meeting was held at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Over 70 attendees participated in sessions related to the theme of "Anatomy and Medical Science in Society."[24]

Awards and recognition

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The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) administers a wide-ranging awards and recognition program designed to honor excellence across all stages of anatomical science careers. The association recognizes contributions in research, education, mentoring, service, and efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the field.[25][26][27]

One of the most prestigious honors conferred by AAA is the title of Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy (FAAA).[28] This designation is awarded to members who have demonstrated distinguished contributions to the anatomical sciences and outstanding service to the association. Fellowship recognizes sustained excellence in areas such as scientific research, education, leadership, and professional service.[29][30]

Educational and outreach initiatives

[edit]

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) supports a wide range of educational and outreach initiatives aimed at advancing anatomical education and increasing accessibility to the anatomical sciences. These programs span from student internships to professional development workshops, as well as broader diversity and outreach efforts.[31]

AAA offers summer internships that provide undergraduate and graduate students with experiential learning opportunities in anatomy-related research and education. These internships are designed to cultivate early interest in anatomical sciences and to support career development through mentorship and hands-on experience.

The association also hosts virtual anatomy workshops (i.e., webinars), which are open to educators, researchers, and students. These workshops focus on innovative teaching techniques, curriculum development, and integration of new technologies in anatomical education.[32]

The AAA also holds Science Communication Boot Camp (SCBC), which is a multi-day program that immerses participants in training designed to develop audience-centered communication, distill scientific concepts into meaningful narratives, and connect effectively with the public, collaborators, and policymakers. The SCBC equips participants with effective science communication strategies and skills, enabling them to engage diverse audiences meaningfully through techniques such as applied improvisational theater and storytelling. It also provides opportunities to apply effective communication through discussions on science podcasting and communication with policymakers. This program is aimed at scientists at any level and from any scientific discipline.[33]

AAA maintains an active K–12 outreach program aimed at introducing young students to the fundamentals of anatomy and fostering early interest in the biomedical sciences. These efforts include classroom visits, educational materials, and collaborative events with schools and community organizations.

The Anato-Bee is a free high school outreach initiative aimed to promote education in anatomy, embryology, and histology. The competition, using a spelling bee format, is designed to be a fun and collaborative experience. Top-placing students at each regional competition are awarded scholarships to attend a summer research or immersive program of their choice focusing on anatomical and/or clinical sciences, supplemented by a stipend. This program engages students and their families, increasing public awareness of science and providing opportunities for the public to physically engage with academic settings, thereby reducing barriers associated with higher education. It also promotes the sciences to the general public through local communication about the event and celebrations of winners.[33]

Anatomy Nights is a public engagement event created to bring anatomy and anatomists to public spaces with the goal of increasing the public's understanding of their own anatomy. The event typically consists of a short mini-lecture on the anatomy of a specific organ, followed by the dissection of that same animal organ to demonstrate the anatomy. Facilitators are scientists with expertise in the anatomy of the organs and skills in public speaking, and participants are members of the local community in public venues like bars and community centers. This program builds a public engagement community in anatomy with the goal of ensuring greater public access to anatomical knowledge from reliable and expert sources—the anatomists themselves. AAA supports the expansion of this program by providing training and developing standard activities and kits. This initiative is distinct from public dissection of human bodies.[33]

The association is also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through a variety of initiatives. AAA provides resources and programming that support underrepresented groups in science, including mentorship networks and DEI-focused workshops. These efforts aim to promote inclusive excellence within the anatomical sciences.

In 2020, the American Association for Anatomy began a collaborative relationship with Black in Anatomy, an organization founded to amplify and support Black voices in anatomy and related disciplines.[34][35] AAA supported the inaugural Black in Anatomy Week by promoting events, featuring Black anatomists on its platforms, and participating in diversity-focused programming.[36]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ "About Us". American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "History". American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  3. ^ Huber, G. Carl (January 1909). "Proceedings of the association of American anatomists". The Anatomical Record. 3 (1): 62–74. doi:10.1002/ar.1090030109. ISSN 0003-276X. PMC 1328000. PMID 17232390.
  4. ^ a b Athitakis, Mark (October 15, 2019). "Built to Last: How Associations Have Made it Past the Century Mark". Associations Now. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  5. ^ "Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, September 18, 1888, Image 5". September 18, 1888. p. 5. ISSN 2331-9968. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  6. ^ Pauly, John Edward (1987). The American Association of Anatomists, 1888-1987: Essays on the History of Anatomy in America and a Report on the Membership--past and Present. Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-683-06800-9.
  7. ^ a b "American Association of Anatomists. Sixty-eighth meeting, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa., April 6, 7, 8, Proceedings, Film Reviews, A Tribute and Brief History, Officers and List of Members". The Anatomical Record. 122 (4): 633–769. August 1955. doi:10.1002/ar.1091220411. ISSN 0003-276X.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "American Association of Anatomists records". library.umbc.edu. Retrieved April 8, 2025.
  9. ^ Zach, Kim K. (2002). Hidden from history : the lives of eight American women scientists. Internet Archive. Greensboro, NC : Avisson Press. ISBN 978-1-888105-54-4.
  10. ^ Pauly, John E., ed. (1987). The American Association of Anatomists, 1888-1987: essays on the history of anatomy in America and a report on the membership--past and present (1st ed.). Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-683-06800-9.
  11. ^ "Bylaws". Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  12. ^ "American of Anatomists Inc". www.guidestar.org. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  13. ^ "Melissa Carroll, PhD, Elected to Board of the American Association for Anatomy". School of Medicine and Health Sciences. March 7, 2022. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  14. ^ "Anatomical Sciences Education". American Association for Anatomy. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)1935-9780. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  15. ^ "Anatomical Sciences Education Journal Metrics". American Association for Anatomy. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)1935-9780. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  16. ^ "The Anatomical Record". American Association for Anatomy. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)1932-8494. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  17. ^ "The Anatomical Record Journal Metrics". American Association for Anatomy. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)1932-8494. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  18. ^ "Developmental Dynamics". American Association for Anatomy. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)1097-0177. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  19. ^ "Developmental Dynamics Journal Metrics". American Association for Anatomy. doi:10.1002/(ISSN)1097-0177. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  20. ^ "Annual Meeting: Anatomy Connected". American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  21. ^ American Association for Anatomy (November 8, 2023). Keith Moore. Retrieved April 10, 2025 – via YouTube.
  22. ^ "Year in Review 2018" (PDF). American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  23. ^ "Year in Review 2020" (PDF). American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  24. ^ a b "2024 Year in Review" (PDF). American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  25. ^ "Awards and Program". American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  26. ^ Anatomy, American Association for. "Celebrating Excellence in Anatomy: AAA Awards Distinguished Members". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  27. ^ pelham (April 14, 2020). "Faculty anatomist wins award for journal article". OHIO Today. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  28. ^ "Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy". www.anatomy.org. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  29. ^ "Dr. Rebecca Fisher Named Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy | The University of Arizona Health Sciences". healthsciences.arizona.edu. May 11, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  30. ^ Chow, Stephanie (January 27, 2021). "Two faculty members recognized by the American Association for Anatomy". UBC Faculty of Medicine. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  31. ^ "Anatomy Education Resources". American Association for Anatomy. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  32. ^ "American Association for Anatomy". www.pathlms.com. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  33. ^ a b c Dunnwald, Martine; DeLeon, Valerie B.; Burrows, Anne M. (2025). "The importance of science communication and public engagement to professional associations". Anatomical Sciences Education. n/a (n/a). doi:10.1002/ase.70017. ISSN 1935-9780. PMID 40090855.
  34. ^ "Home". Black in Anatomy. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  35. ^ "Black in Anatomy Winter 2024 Newsletter" (PDF). Black in Anatomy. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
  36. ^ "Diversity and Inclusion in the Sciences: Q&A With Black in Anatomy and the American Association for Anatomy". www.wiley.com. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
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