Working together: A dual focus on occupation and anatomy

What is the place of anatomy knowledge and its role within occupational therapy? My doctoral research explored taught anatomy within occupational therapy in the United Kingdom. In this research, there is evidence that there is still debate within the profession over anatomy content within curricula and how this should look (Fielden, 2024). For the purposes of this editorial, anatomy refers to general body structure and function (which includes anatomy and its interrelationship with physiology). This editorial argues that a dual focus on anatomy and occupation is essential within curricula to ensure graduates can meet the demands of practice with a strong professional identity centred on occupation. This view of duality is one that needs to be debated as divisions exist within the profession between theory and practice in terms of what knowledge is valued. It is hoped this editorial is the starting point to stimulate discussion and research on occupation-centred anatomy education for the future.