Setting the Tone: The Foreword and Preface of Body Scientific’s Anatomy – diverse representations of people

Every meaningful educational resource begins with intention. In Body Scientific’s Anatomy – An Overview of the Human Body, that intention is clearly established through its Foreword and Preface—sections that frame not only what the book teaches, but why it exists.

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Diverse Representations of People in Anatomy

The Foreword: Representation, Opportunity, and Belonging

Written by Dr. Shaquille O’Neal, Ed.D., the Foreword sets a powerful and human-centered tone for the book. Drawing from his commitment to education, mentorship, and access, Dr. O’Neal emphasizes that when students see themselves represented in what they learn, new possibilities open. Education becomes less about memorization and more about belief—belief that they belong in the classroom, in science, and in medicine.

Dr. O’Neal highlights how Body Scientific’s Anatomy moves beyond traditional textbooks by combining exceptional medical illustration with accurate, diverse representations of people. His message reinforces the idea that anatomy is not only a scientific discipline, but also a gateway—one that can inspire students to imagine futures in health and science that may have once felt out of reach.

The Preface: Vision Led by Art and Science

The Preface, written by Marcelo Oliver and Dr. Saadiq El-Amin, transitions from inspiration to purpose. Together, they outline the mission behind the book: to create an introductory anatomy resource that is scientifically rigorous, visually engaging, and intentionally inclusive.

Marcelo Oliver, a medical illustrator with over three decades of experience, brings a deep understanding of how visual learning shapes comprehension. Under his creative direction, the book leverages medical illustration not simply as decoration, but as a foundational teaching tool—because anatomy is, at its core, a visual science.

Dr. Saadiq El-Amin, an orthopaedic surgeon and scientist, provides the clinical and scientific leadership that ensures the content meets the highest standards of medical accuracy. His role as Editor-in-Chief helped guide the integration of precise anatomy, consistent terminology, and clinically relevant perspectives throughout the text.

A Collaborative and Inclusive Approach to Anatomy

In the Preface, Oliver and El-Amin also emphasize the importance of collaboration. This book was shaped through close partnership with subject matter experts, educators, and reviewers from diverse backgrounds. Each chapter blends anatomy and basic physiology with thoughtful design, reinforcing the idea that effective anatomy education requires both scientific expertise and visual clarity.

Their shared goal was not only to teach anatomy, but to help students recognize themselves within it—to understand that while human bodies may look different externally, the systems that connect us are remarkably similar.

More Than a Textbook

Together, the Foreword and Preface make one thing clear: Body Scientific’s Anatomy is more than a textbook. It is a commitment to expanding representation, improving access to quality science education, and inspiring the next generation of learners.

From the opening pages, readers are invited to see anatomy as both a scientific foundation and a shared human story—one that reflects accuracy, diversity, and opportunity for all.