Highlighting Women’s Health: Complete Anatomy Joins the Rijksmuseum Boerhaave Exhibit

Photo: Fred Ernst for Rijksmuseum Boerhaave 

Shining a Light on Women in Medicine and a Hopeful Perspective for the Future 

At Elsevier Health, we continually strive to enhance medical education by reflecting the diverse world we live in. Our latest partnership with the renowned Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in Leiden, Netherlands, highlights this commitment perfectly. 

We are excited to announce that our Complete Anatomy female model is featured in the museum’s groundbreaking exhibit, “Unseen.” Running from March 7, 2025, to March 8, 2026, this bilingual exhibit explores the historical biases in medical science, showcasing how the male body has historically been the norm, while often overlooking women and gender-diverse individuals. “Unseen” aims to correct these disparities by fostering understanding and ultimately improving healthcare for everyone. 

Leading the Way in Inclusive Medical Education 

Complete Anatomy has led the charge by providing advanced 3D models that revolutionize medical training. With over 5.5 million registered users across more than 650 medical schools and universities worldwide, our tools are shaping the future of healthcare education. The inclusion of our female anatomical model in the “Unseen” exhibit underscores the importance of representing women’s health accurately and thoroughly in educational resources. 

“At Elsevier, we believe that true progress in medicine is rooted in understanding and representation. Our collaboration with Rijksmuseum Boerhaave reflects our commitment to illuminating the often-overlooked narratives of women in healthcare. By incorporating diverse anatomical models, we not only enrich medical education but also pave the way for a more equitable future where every individual receives the care they deserve,” states Elizabeth Munn, Managing Director, Global Medical Education, Elsevier Health.  

Celebrating Diversity and Reducing Health Disparities 

Our participation in this exhibit aligns with our mission to promote diversity and inclusivity in medical education. The video showcased in our exhibit highlights essential aspects of the female body, such as the structure of the pelvis, muscle mass distribution, and the presence of mammary tissue—each crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. By using these comprehensive models, we aim to train medical professionals who are equipped with a nuanced understanding of women’s health. 

Unseen: A Moving and Inspirational Exhibition 

Translation: Unseen, Inequality in Medicine 

“Unseen” not only provides a stark look at the past but also offers a hopeful perspective on the future. From a historic gynaecological examination chair to contemporary artworks and groundbreaking medical insights, the exhibit presents fascinating objects and stories that illustrate the roots of gender bias in medicine. It also poses the crucial question: how do we build a more equitable healthcare system? 

Committed to Empowering Educators and Students 

At Elsevier, we are committed to providing both innovative off-the-shelf products and custom solutions that enhance learning and research. Our collaboration with Rijksmuseum Boerhaave is just one example of our efforts to make medical education more inclusive and comprehensive. 

We invite you to explore the “Unseen” exhibit and see how Complete Anatomy is driving a more equitable future in medicine. Together, we’re ensuring that all individuals receive the healthcare they deserve. 

Stay connected to our blog for more updates on our projects and initiatives, as we continue to advance medical education and celebrate diversity in science and healthcare. 

Koen Mouchaers from Elsevier Health (left) and Mieneke te Hennepe, curator of Rijksmuseum Boerhaave (right), at the Unseen exhibit opening on March 6, 2025.