Interdisciplinary Clinical Cases
Interdisciplinary Clinical Cases is a two-year course that spans the preclinical medical curriculum. Students work in groups of approximately fourteen students with an MD faculty mentor. Teamwork, mentoring and problem-based learning are used to achieve clinical application of basic science content. In addition, students practice foundational clinical skills including patient interviewing and examination, advanced communication skills, oral case presentations, peer teaching, interpretation of lab and x-ray data, and development and research of clinical questions related to the case at hand. Assigned groups of three to four students complete assigned preparatory work in the week prior to meeting with their Interdisciplinary Clinical Case team. Teams meet approximately ten times a year for two hour teaching and problem-solving sessions linked to coursework in the basic sciences. Aspects of professionalism such as personal responsibility, ethical behavior, respect for divergent viewpoints, and accountability are emphasized through peer and mentor evaluations of professionalism and in-session feedback. Strengths of the course include critical thinking, teamwork, mentoring, active application of classroom concepts, independent study and research, and developmental progression of students as young doctors and active learners.
