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American Association for Anatomy

Abbreviation	AAA
Pronunciation	/əˈmɛrɪkən əˌsoʊsiˈeɪʃən fɔːr əˈnætəmi/
Predecessor	Association of American Anatomists
Founded	September 17, 1888 (1888-09-17)
Founder	Joseph Mellick Leidy
Founded at	Washington D.C.
Type	Nonprofit Scientific Organization
Tax ID no.	23-6239047
Legal status	501(c)(3) organization
Purpose	Advancement of anatomical science, research, and education
Headquarters	Rockville, Maryland, United States
Region served	Worldwide
Membership	2,552 (2024)
President	Anne Burrows, PhD
President-Elect	Ralph Marcucio, PhD
Past President	Martine Dunnwald, PharmD, PhD, FAAA
Secretary/Treasurer	Raj Ettarh, PhD
Board of directors	Four (4) Officers Ten (10) Non-Officers One (1) Non-Voting Ex-Officio Director
Main organ	Board of Directors
Publication	Anatomical Sciences Education Developmental Dynamics The Anatomical Record
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)
Revenue	3,00,435 USD (2024)
Expenses	2,649,428 USD (2024)
Staff	9 (2023)
Volunteers	110 (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)
Website	anatomy.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. 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." It was renamed in 1908 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.

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. Its flagship publications contribute to the dissemination of anatomical research and education at both national and international levels.

History

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 in the evening of September 17, 1888. 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 Ithica
• 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.

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.

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.

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

In 1917, membership reached over 300 members.

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

In 1986, membership reacher over 5,000 members.

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

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. This evolution was reflected in the association’s growing membership and increasing involvement in interdisciplinary research and education.

A major milestone in the organization's history occurred in 2019, when 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.

Throughout its history, the AAA has launched and supported numerous initiatives to promote anatomical research and education. Notable among these are its long-standing publication of peer-reviewed journals such as The Anatomical Record, Anatomical Sciences Education, and Developmental Dynamics. Additionally, the association has been instrumental in organizing 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), reflecting a broader movement within the association toward applied, clinically relevant anatomical research.

AAA’s centennial celebration in 1988 marked a key moment of reflection and future planning, highlighting the association’s contributions to biomedical education and research. More recently, the organization has prioritized outreach, innovation in anatomical education, and global collaboration, positioning itself as a leader in the anatomical sciences worldwide.

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	George S. Huntington	1899	1903
6	Charles S. Minot	1903	1905
7	Franklin P. Mall	1905	1908
8	James P. McMurrich	1908	1909
9	George A. Piersol	1909	1911
10	Ross G. Harrison	1911	1913
11	Gotthelf C. Huber	1913	1915
12	Henry H. Donaldson	1915	1917
13	Robert R. Bensley	1917	1920
14	C. F. W. McLure	1920	1921
15	Clarence M. Jackson	1921	1924
16	Florence R. Sabin	1924	1926
17	George L. Streeter	1926	1928
18	Charles R. Stockard	1928	1930
19	Herbert M. Evans	1930	1932
20	George E. Coghill	1932	1934
21	Warren Harmon Lewis	1934	1936
22	Frederic T. Lewis	1936	1938
23	S. Walter Ranson	1938	1940
24	Philip E. Smith	1940	1942
25	Edgar Allen	1942	1943
26	J. Parsons Schaeffer	1943	1946
27	George W. Corner	1946	1948
28	George W. Bartelmez	1948	1950
29	Sam L. Clark	1950	1952
30	Leslie B. Arey	1952	1954
31	Samuel R. Detwiler	1954	1956
32	Edward A. Boyden	1956	1957
33	Barry J. Anson	1957	1958
34	Davenport Hooker	1958	1959
35	Normand Louis Hoerr*	1959	1960
36	H. Stanley Bennett*	1959	1960
37	Edward W. Dempsey	1960	1961
38	Harold Cummins	1961	1962
39	Charles P. Leblond	1962	1963
40	Horace W. Magoun	1963	1964
41	Charles Mayo Goss	1964	1965
42	Don Wayne Fawcett	1965	1966
43	Donald Duncan	1966	1967
44	Karl E. Mason	1967	1968
45	Richard J. Blandau	1968	1969
46	Roland H. Alden	1969	1970
47	Raymond Carl Truex	1970	1971
48	David Bodian	1971	1972
49	William U. Gardner	1972	1973
50	John W. Everett	1973	1974
51	Russel T. Woodburne	1974	1975
52	John C. Finerty	1975	1976
53	Carmine D. Clemente	1976	1977
54	Newton B. Everett	1977	1978
55	Berta V. Scharrer	1978	1979
56	Daniel C. Pease	1979	1980
57	Sanford L. Palay	1980	1981
58	Elizabeth D. Hay	1981	1982
59	John E. Pauly	1982	1983
60	Allen C. Enders	1983	1984
61	A. Kent Christensen	1984	1985
62	John V. Basmajian	1985	1986
63	Douglas E. Kelly	1986	1987
64	Henry J. Ralston, III	1987	1988
65	Roger R. Markwald	1988	1989
66	Jerome Sutin	1989	1990
67	Karen R. Hitchcock	1990	1991
68	Wiliam P. Jollie	1991	1992
69	Alan Peters	1992	1993
70	Donald A. Fischman	1993	1994
71	Charles E. Slonecker	1994	1995
72	Michael D. Gershon	1995	1996
73	Gary C. Schoenwolf	1996	1997
74	Bruce M. Carlson	1997	1999
75	Robert D. Yates	1999	2001
76	John F. Fallon	2001	2003
77	Robert S. McCuskey	2003	2005
78	Kathy Svoboda	2005	2007
79	David Burr	2007	2009
80	Kathryn Jones	2009	2011
81	Jeffrey T. Laitman	2011	2013
82	Lynn Opperman	2013	2015
83	Kimberly Topp	2015	2017
84	Phil Brauer	2017	2019	Lead name change to American Association for Anatomy
85	Rick Sumner	2019	2021
86	Valerie DeLeon	2021	2023
87	Martine Dunnwald	2023	2025
88	Anne Burrows	2025	2027
89	Ralph Marcucio	2027	2029

*Dr. Hoerr was elected President-Elect for the 1958–1959 term but passed away 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.

Mission, Vision, and Values

The stated mission of the AAA is "Advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development."

The stated vision of the AAA is "Inspiring scientific curiosity and discovery."

The stated values of the AAA are "Community, Respect, Inclusion, Integrity, Discovery."

Governance and Structure

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.

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. 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.

AAA's governance also incorporates standing committees that address core aspects of the association’s mission, including education, scientific affairs, membership, finance, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. These committees play a critical role in shaping policies, administering awards and grants, and guiding educational initiatives.

Membership in the AAA is structured in tiers to accommodate a wide range of individuals engaged in anatomical sciences. These tiers include student members, regular (professional) members, and Fellows. Fellowship status is conferred upon members who have made distinguished contributions to anatomical science and service to the association, recognizing their sustained excellence in research, education, or leadership.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, AAA is dedicated to advancing anatomical science through research, education, and professional development, while fostering a diverse and inclusive scientific community.

The AAA is a member of the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists (IFAA), a global federation of national and multinational anatomy associations, and they often collaborate and hold joint meetings.

Publications

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) supports the advancement of anatomical science through the publication of three major peer-reviewed journals: Anatomical Sciences Education, The Anatomical Record, and Developmental Dynamics. These journals are published in partnership with Wiley and serve as key platforms for disseminating research, educational innovations, and reviews in the anatomical sciences.

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. The journal is indexed in major databases such as PubMed and has gained recognition for its interdisciplinary contributions to health professions education. 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.

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. The journal encompasses a wide range of topics, including evolutionary biology, functional morphology, and imaging. Peer-reviewed and published monthly, The Anatomical Record maintains a rigorous editorial process managed by an international editorial board. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 1.8 in 2023.

Page from a 1906 issue of The Anatomical Record.

Developmental Dynamics, originally launched as The Journal of Anatomy and Embryology in 1901, publishes cutting-edge research in developmental biology with a particular emphasis on molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms underlying embryonic and postnatal development. The journal also features work that intersects with regenerative medicine and stem cell biology. Like AAA's other journals, it is peer-reviewed and provides authors the option for open access publishing. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 2 in 2023.

All three journals maintain editorial independence, with editorial boards composed of leading experts in the anatomical and life sciences. They are committed to upholding high standards of scientific integrity and transparency, consistent with the AAA’s mission to advance anatomical science through scholarly communication.

Annual and Regional Meetings

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. Formerly held as part of the multi-society Experimental Biology conference until 2022, AAA transitioned to hosting a fully independent meeting starting in 2023 to better align the event with its mission and the specific interests of its members. The AAA has maintained high levels of member engagement for decades, with some individuals attending annual meetings consistently for over 50 years.

Anatomy Connected features a comprehensive program that includes plenary lectures, keynote addresses by distinguished scientists, symposia covering emerging topics in anatomical science, and hands-on workshops. A central focus of the meeting is the promotion of student and trainee involvement, with numerous opportunities for oral and poster presentations, career development sessions, and award competitions.

The meeting also includes dedicated spaces for networking, mentorship, and recognition of excellence in research and education through AAA’s awards and honors. Topics span the full range of anatomical science, including biomedical research, anatomical education, technological innovation, and inclusive teaching practices.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, AAA successfully transitioned to a virtual format beginning in 2020, offering online conferences that preserved key elements of the in-person experience. This adaptation allowed for continued scholarly exchange and global participation, and it informed future planning for hybrid and digital meeting options.

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
2019	Orlando, FL	1,032
2020	Virtual		Originally scheduled for San Diego, CA, replaced by Virtual Anatomy Meeting Week
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.

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."

Awards and Recognition

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.

One of the most prestigious honors conferred by AAA is the title of Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy (FAAA). 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.

AAA also supports a variety of early-career awards, including the Early-Career Investigator Award and the Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, which aim to support and highlight emerging leaders in anatomical research. Educators are honored through awards such as the Henry Gray Distinguished Educator Award and the Basmajian Award, which celebrate innovation and achievement in anatomical teaching.

In recognition of his decades-long contributions to the anatomical sciences and to the AAA, Dr. A. J. Ladman was honored with multiple distinctions. He served as editor-in-chief of The Anatomical Record from 1968 to 1998, overseeing significant developments in peer review standards and mentoring a generation of academic editors. To acknowledge his exemplary service and leadership, the association established the A. J. Ladman Exemplary Service Award, which is conferred upon individuals demonstrating outstanding service to the field and the association. Ladman was also named a Fellow of the AAA and recognized at the 2011 Experimental Biology meeting for nearly 60 years of continuous membership and involvement in advancing the discipline.

Recognizing the importance of mentorship and inclusivity, AAA offers awards for outstanding mentorship and has established programs that support underrepresented groups in science. Among these is the Anatomy Scholars Program, which provides mentorship and professional development opportunities for early-career anatomists from historically excluded backgrounds. This initiative underscores the association’s ongoing commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive anatomical sciences community.

Each year, AAA announces award recipients during its annual meeting, where honorees are recognized for their accomplishments in front of peers and colleagues. Full lists of past awardees, including AAA Fellows, are publicly available through the association's website.

Educational and Outreach Initiatives

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. AAA supported the inaugural Black in Anatomy Week by promoting events, featuring Black anatomists on its platforms, and participating in diversity-focused programming. This partnership reflects AAA’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in anatomical science.

In addition, AAA offers scholarships and travel awards to support student participation in scientific meetings and research activities. These awards are part of the association’s broader mission to foster educational advancement and professional development among emerging anatomists.

The AAA) actively utilizes social media platforms to engage with both its members and the broader public:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Bluesky

Membership

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) comprises a diverse and international membership dedicated to the advancement of anatomical science, education, and research. As of the 2024 Year in Review, the association includes a total of 2,552 members, representing a wide range of scientific disciplines and professional backgrounds. The membership distribution by type includes: 48% professional, 25% graduate students, 8% emeritus, 7% undergraduate students, 4% postdoctoral, 4% early career, and 4% Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (HAPS) affiliate. The membership distribution by self reported race/ethnicity includes: 51% white, 9% asian, 4% multiple, 4% black, 3% hispanic, and 2% middle eastern.

AAA’s membership is composed of anatomists, educators, biomedical researchers, and health science professionals, spanning career stages from students and trainees to senior scholars. The organization welcomes individuals from academia, clinical practice, industry, and government, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to anatomical science.

The association has a global reach, with members residing in more than 30 countries. This international representation enhances collaborative opportunities and encourages the exchange of ideas across national and disciplinary boundaries. AAA actively supports this global perspective through international partnerships, conference participation, and online engagement.

Membership benefits include access to AAA’s scientific journals—The Anatomical Record, Developmental Dynamics, and Anatomical Sciences Education—as well as reduced rates for annual meetings, eligibility for awards and fellowships, professional development programs, and exclusive online resources. Members also receive regular newsletters and updates on the latest research and educational opportunities in the field of anatomy.

See Also

• Anatomy
• Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB)
• Human anatomy
• Gross anatomy
• Medical education
• Histology
• Professional association

External Links

• Official website of the American Association for Anatomy - Primary site for information about the association, its mission, programs, and membership.
• AAA Learning Portal – Platform for accessing webinars, courses, and educational resources offered by AAA.
• Anatomy Education Resources – Curated resources for anatomy educators and students.
• AAA News and Journals Portal – Access point for the association’s news, publications, and scholarly communication.
• AAA Membership Information – Details on joining AAA, membership benefits, and categories.
• Past Presidents
• Fellows
• American Association for Anatomy records, 1900-2011 at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County