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Aftab Merchant, MBBS, FCPS, is a professor of medical education at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ, where he primarily focuses on clinical anatomy education for medical students.

Before joining the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Dr. Merchant served as a clinical professor of health sciences education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UI COM). In this role, he took a leadership position in developing and implementing a system-based, clinically focused preclinical curriculum. Serving as the discipline director for anatomy across the three UI COM campuses (Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford), Dr. Merchant spearheaded initiatives to integrate advanced educational technologies, such as computer-assisted learning, digital anatomy tables (Anatomage), and cadaver dissections, to enhance clinically relevant anatomy education. He has received numerous accolades for his teaching,including the prestigious Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Merchant's scholarly activities span both clinical and medical education research, with a current focus on anatomy education. He investigates innovative methodologies like virtual dissections and the seamless integration of traditional and computer-assisted educational approaches.

An active member of the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), the American Association for Anatomy (AAA), and the American Association of Clinical Anatomists (AACA), Dr. Merchant is also deeply committed to community engagement outside of academia. His outreach to local high schools and community colleges has significantly enriched STEM programs and anatomy education.

Dr. Merchant earned his medical degree from Liaquat Medical College, University of Sindh, Pakistan, and is a Fellow of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (FCPS) in Internal Medicine. He holds certifications in medical education from prominent U.S. and European associations and is currently pursuing a master of health professions education (MHPE) from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

With a strong foundation in internal medicine, extensive teaching experience, and specialized expertise in medical education, Dr. Merchant remains committed to advancing the field through evidence-based instructional methods and technology.