Embryology, Anatomy, and Radiology of Cervical Cysts and Cleft Lip/Palate: A Team-Based Learning Module for Medical...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomical Sciences
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Medical education emphasizes interdisciplinary integration and early clinical exposure.
• A novel team-based learning (TBL) module was created for preclerkship medical students.
• The module integrates embryology, anatomy, and radiology of the head and neck.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an integrated TBL module for early medical education.
• To enhance student understanding of head and neck embryology, anatomy, and radiology.
• To provide a resource for educators integrating complex scientific topics.

Main Methods:

• A team-based learning (TBL) module was designed for 234 medical students.
• The module incorporated prereading, readiness assurance tests, and case-based application exercises.
• Content focused on head and neck development, applied to clinical scenarios like cervical cysts and cleft lip/palate.

Main Results:

• Students performed well in the TBL module.
• While perceived as time-consuming by some, most students found it relevant.
• The module was considered a valuable addition to the course material.

Conclusions:

• This TBL module is the first to integrate embryology, anatomy, and radiology for early medical students.
• It addresses a gap in educational materials for interdisciplinary head and neck studies.
• The module effectively supports learning for foundational medical concepts.