Patient-Centered Team-Based Learning in Pre-Clinical Curriculum Supporting the Application of Knowledge to Real-World...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Genetics
• Clinical Reasoning

Background:

• Medical education often faces a gap between basic science and clinical application.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) presents a complex genetic condition requiring clinical correlation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an active learning strategy for first-year medical students.
• To enhance the application of basic genetics knowledge in a clinical context.
• To foster clinical reasoning skills through real-world scenarios.

Main Methods:

• A team-based learning (TBL) session focused on familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) using a live patient.
• Students presented a differential diagnosis for homozygous FH during a medical mission.

Main Results:

• The active learning approach successfully supported students in applying knowledge clinically.
• Students demonstrated enhanced ability to integrate genetics concepts into patient diagnosis.
• The experience facilitated bridging the basic science-clinical education gap.

Conclusions:

• Active learning combined with clinically relevant scenarios improves medical students' clinical reasoning.
• This educational model effectively prepares students for clinical practice.
• Integrating genetics into practical case studies enhances learning outcomes.