Modern Human Anatomy Program

The Master of Science Program in Modern Human Anatomy (MHA) provides graduate level training and teaching experience in the physical and virtual anatomical sciences. The curriculum integrates 3D computer imaging and modeling with dissection of human anatomical donors, neuroanatomy, histology, and embryology.

This is you: a student at CU Anschutz in the Master’s of Modern Human Anatomy Program. This is you: in state of the art facilities doing full body human donor dissections. This is you: exploring the human body in 3D using the Visible Human Dissector that was developed through the National Library of Medicine. This is you: surface scanning and 3D printing anatomical models. This is you: doing digital dissection through augmented reality. Modern Anatomy: it’s the use of digital imaging such as ultrasound, CT and MRI. It’s conducting research that impacts patient care. Here at CU Anschutz, students don’t just learn gross anatomy, but learn histology, embryology, and neuroanatomy, as well as courses in digital modeling, using MAYA, UnrealEngine, and Blender. It’s combining biology and technology, with creativity and discovery. It’s discovering who you are and who you want to be. So you might ask yourself: What is Modern Human Anatomy? We are Modern Human Anatomy.

Modern Human Anatomy in the News

Aitana Gonzales Presents at Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers

MHA Degree Candidate, Aitana Gonzales, presented her capstone project work at Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers in Charlotte, North Carolina

Jun 11, 2026

Aitana Gonzales and Dr. Alvarez in front of scientific poster

MHA student, Aitana Gonzales (pictured left), traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina to join the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 2026 Conference in May. Aitana's poster presentation was titled, "Ocrelizumab and Rituximab Comparison In the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis." Aitana's mentor, Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD (pictured on the right) also attended the conference.

Aitana had an amazing time at the conference and said, "By participating in the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers 2026 Conference, I received great feedback on my research from a multidisciplinary audience and an invaluable chance to share my story with the Multiple Sclerosis community. At first, I was a tad intimidated, but I truly know and feel like the trainee scientist I have become throughout the Modern Human Anatomy Program. My Capstone Chair Dr. Enrique Alvarez MD, PhD and Advisor Dr. John Caldwell, along with the staff and faculty of the MHA program, have been great mentors and teachers to me along my journey."

Aitana received a HIRs Travel Award through the CU-Anschutz Graduate School that helped support her travel. Congratulations, Aitana!

Students interacting with a Sectra Table

The MSMHA program was a great experience, with great faculty that serve as mentors and encourage you to explore things you are intellectually curious about. The program prepared me well for medical school and beyond. The flexibility of the second year curriculum allowed me to explore my interests and led me to the medical specialty of anatomic and clinical pathology. The strong foundation in the anatomic sciences that was built in this program is put into practice daily, from gross dissection of surgical specimens, to using microscopic anatomy when I look at glass slides to render a pathologic diagnosis for patient care. Not only do I use my anatomic training daily, I am using the training I received in various imaging modalities and technologies to understand current innovations in digital pathology and the utility of imaging combined with informatics to improve diagnostic accuracy. It's an exciting time to be an anatomist!

Wai Szeto, MD, MHA Class of 2015
Fellow | Forensic Pathology | University of North Dakota

Master of Science in Modern Human Anatomy

CU Anschutz

Fitzsimons Building

13001 East 17th Place

N5200

Aurora, CO 80045

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