Journal Club - July 9, 2012

Dear Colleagues,

This month we will discuss an article describing how one medical school (Mayo Medical School) linked basic medical sciences with the ACGME core competencies as a way of introducing students to clinical issues earlier in their medical school experience. We are facing a similar circumstance, linking the basic sciences with the VUSM core competencies, which are based on the ACGME core competencies, as well as integrating with the continuity clinical and the colloquium. The authors describe their efforts to restructure anatomy education and integrate radiology with first year gross and developmental anatomy.  The block that results emphasizes clinically oriented anatomy, invites self- and peer-evaluation, provides daily feedback through an audience response system, and employs team-based learning.  By providing this article for the July Journal Club, it is not expected that we should copy what Mayo has done. Rather, it is hoped that the article will inspire reflection and discussion as we—as an institution—tackle the challenge of making the teaching of the basic sciences more relevant to clinical practice.

Gregory JK, Lachman N, Camp CL, Chen LP, Pawlina W. Restructuring a basic science course for core competencies: An example from anatomy teaching. Medical Teacher. 2007;31:855-861.

Link to article in PubMed
Link to article in Medical Teacher  (access provided by Vanderbilt if logging in on a campus computer)

Some questions for you to consider as you read the article:

1. What are the VUSM core competencies?
2. How are you considering reflecting the VUSM core competencies as a course director and/or in your teaching practice?
3. What did you learn from reading the article that might be useful to you as you are working on making your content more relevant to clinical practice?
4. If you are course director, what are the implications for faculty development for faculty who will be teaching in your course?
5. How would we know if an approach that you develop helps students in their clinical rotations?

Best,

Don Moore
Director, Division of CME
Director of Program Evaluation, Office of Teaching and Learning in Medicine
Professor of Medical Education and Administration
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

Drinks provided; don't forget to bring a lunch!

CME Credit: Sponsored by Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Department of Office of Teaching and Learning in Medicine.Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  Vanderbilt School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.  Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

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