Form Follows Function: Introducing a Comparative Hematology Course into the Post-Clerkship Phase of Medical School

Revisiting fundamental concepts during the post-clerkship phase of medical school promotes integration into clinical medicine. Our course uses evolutionarily derived hematologic adaptations to deepen students' understanding of pathophysiology.

This week-long curriculum incorporated interactive seminars, laboratory experiments, and off-site activities. Students' perceptions of course value, knowledge, and impact were evaluated using pre-course, immediate post-course, and follow-up Likert surveys. Paired t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-course scores.

Our course increased students' confidence and sustained interest in hematology. These attitudes persisted into residency. This approach models the use of comparative and experiential methods to enhance hematology education.