title: Clinical physiology grand rounds.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Clinical Physiology Grand Rounds (CPGR) is an interactive, case-based conference for medical students designed to: (1) integrate preclinical and clinical learning; (2) promote inductive clinical reasoning; and (3) emphasise students as peer teachers. CPGR specifically encourages mixed learning level student interactions and emphasises the use of concept mapping. We describe the theoretical basis and logistical considerations for an interactive, integrative, mixed-learner environment such as CPGR. In addition, we report qualitative data regarding students' attitudes towards and perceptions of CPGR.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Medical students from first to fourth year participate in a monthly, interactive conference.
  
  
  METHODS
  The CPGR was designed to bridge gaps and reinforce linkages between basic science and clinical concepts, and to incorporate interactive vertical integration between preclinical and clinical students. Medical education and content experts use Socratic, interactive teaching methods to develop real-time concept maps to emphasise the presence and importance of linkages across curricula.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Student focus groups were held to assess attitudes towards and perceptions of the mixed-learner environment and concept maps in CPGR. Qualitative analyses of focus group transcripts were performed to develop themes and codes describing the students' impressions of CPGR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CPGR is a case-based, interactive conference designed to help students gain an increased appreciation of linkages between basic science and clinical medicine concepts, and an increased awareness of clinical reasoning thought processes. Success is dependent upon explicit attention being given to goals for students' integrated learning.
authors.affiliation: The Carl J. Shapiro Institute for Education and Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. jbrichar@bidmc.harvard.edu
authors.forename: Jeremy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schwartzstein
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Irish
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Almeida
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D010465:Perception; D011340:Problem Solving; D013337:Students, Medical; D056164:Teaching Rounds / Q000458:organization & administration*