American Association for Anatomy

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.

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 at Georgetown University 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 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 surpassed 5,000.

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

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).