American Association for Anatomy

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 at Georgetown University on the evening of September 17, 1888. These founding officers were elected: • President, Dr. Joseph Leidy, of Philadelphia • Vice Presidents, Dr. Frank Baker, of Washington and 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 Ithaca • Executive Committee Member, Dr. A. C. Bernays, of St. Louis 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. 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 surpassed 5,000. In 1996, the AAA annual meeting was held as part of the larger Experimental Biology conference for the first time. In 2019, 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. The association publishes several peer-reviewed journals including The Anatomical Record, Anatomical Sciences Education, and Developmental Dynamics. Additionally, the association organizes 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). == 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. == Publications ==

The American Association for Anatomy (AAA) publishes three major peer-reviewed journals: Anatomical Sciences Education, The Anatomical Record, and Developmental Dynamics. 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. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 1.8 in 2023. Developmental Dynamics, originally launched as The Journal of Anatomy and Embryology in 1901, publishes 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. It provides authors the option for open access publishing. It had a Journal Impact Factor of 2 in 2023. == 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. == See also ==