Medical Students’ Experiences of Learning Neuroanatomy: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Neuroanatomy is a cornerstone of medical education, providing the foundational knowledge required to diagnose and treat neurological disorders. A deep understanding of the brain's complex three-dimensional structures and pathways is essential for future clinicians to link anatomical knowledge to clinical practice. However, the subject's inherent complexity often elicits significant anxiety among students, a phenomenon known as 'neurophobia,' which can act as a major barrier to learning. Our project is a longitudinal qualitative study that focuses on investigating the evolving experiences of medical students throughout their neuroanatomy curriculum. We aim to explore the emotional and contextual factors that shape their learning, identifying teaching methods and student strategies that help mitigate anxiety and foster lasting engagement and confidence.