Enhancing pathology learning for medical students - via blended learning by clinicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pathology
• Clinical Reasoning

Background:

• Traditional pathology teaching may not fully bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical application.
• Medical students often struggle to connect pathological processes with clinical symptoms and signs during rotations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and benefits of a clinician-led, supplementary pathology teaching program.
• To enhance medical students' understanding of pathology and its clinical relevance.

Main Methods:

• A 12-year blended learning program supplemented the existing pathology curriculum for third-year medical students.
• Online pathology specimen image analysis and team discussions were followed by face-to-face consolidation sessions.

Main Results:

• Most students, especially weaker ones, showed improved pathology knowledge and diagnostic skills.
• High student satisfaction was reported, with significant gains in critical thinking and clinical reasoning.

Conclusions:

• Blended learning delivery effectively improved students' pathology knowledge, with notable benefits for weaker learners.
• Online specimen review, scholarly debate, and in-person sessions fostered strong inductive medical reasoning skills.