Teaching cytopathology to second-year medical students. An interactive, case-based approach.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and implement an electronic, interactive, case-based cytopathology educational system for second-year medical students.


METHODS
Ten different learning modules, corresponding to various organ systems in pathology and encompassing the essence of clinical cytopathology, were developed. The modules are software-based, menu-driven, digital programs that are displayed on a computer monitor and can be projected onto a large screen via LCD projectors. Each module takes 15-20 minutes to complete and contains three to four case-based interactive clinical scenarios. Each case contains sequenced, multiple-choice questions with immediate feedback. Each module also includes an atlas mode for viewing all the case images plus additional images to enrich the learning experience.


RESULTS
Preliminary feedback from students taking the pathology course has shown encouraging responses. The students enjoyed the practical approach of the modules, finding them easy to use. Their interest level remained high as they discovered how their general medical knowledge could apply to solving real-life clinical cytopathology cases.


CONCLUSIONS
By utilizing these unique instructional modules in the second-year pathology course, medical students learn the application of clinical cytopathology in everyday medical practice. This not only provides them with the theoretical background and morphologic knowledge of the diseases taught but also gives them the ability to apply it in simulated real-life clinical scenarios.
Steinberg
David M
DM
John K. Frost Division of Cytopathology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Pathology Building, Room 406, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Chan
Theresa Y
TY
Freedman
Joan A
JA
Grimm
L Allan
LA
Ling
Luke
L
Lehmann
Harold P
HP
Burroughs
Frances H
FH
Rosenthal
Dorothy L
DL
Ali
Syed Z
SZ
D015142:Baltimore; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D020407:Internet; D008396:Maryland; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000193:education*; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D013997:Time Factors