Genetic Testing and Counseling in Metabolic Liver Disease: An Interactive Lecture for Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Genetics
• Bioethics

Background:

• Medical students often lack sufficient exposure to genetic testing principles and associated ethical considerations.
• Physicians require training to counsel patients effectively on genetic testing and interpret results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance medical students' understanding of genetic testing, including its ethical and psychosocial implications.
• To equip future physicians with skills for patient counseling regarding genetic testing.

Main Methods:

• A 1-hour interactive lecture on genetic testing was developed for second-year medical students.
• An audience response system was used for in-class discussions and to gauge student comprehension of case studies.
• The lecture was delivered twice and recorded for broader accessibility.

Main Results:

• Student performance on in-class questions ranged from 47%-100% correct answers.
• Exam questions on genetic counseling showed correct answer rates between 66%-77% in 2018 and 70%-68% in 2019.
• The interactive format facilitated real-time feedback and tailored instruction.

Conclusions:

• The interactive lecture effectively exposed medical students to complex genetic testing issues and counseling challenges.
• Audience response systems enhance engagement and allow instructors to address learning gaps during sessions.
• This educational approach is valuable for preparing medical professionals for genetic counseling responsibilities.