Lost and Found: Student Perceptions of an Experiential Learning Approach to Supporting Basic Science Integration...

A persistent challenge in medical education is ensuring the retention and application of basic science knowledge during clinical clerkships. Despite its foundational role in clinical reasoning, opportunities to revisit and meaningfully apply basic science concepts are often limited during the clerkship year. The Sciences and Art of Medicine Integrated (SAMI) course at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine addresses this gap by integrating structured, small-group experiential learning sessions alongside clinical rotations.

This mixed-methods study explored third-year medical students' perceptions of the course and experiential learning during the 2024-2025 academic year. Quantitative data were collected through an end-of-course survey, including Likert-scale items on course quality and specific components. Qualitative data were gathered from open-ended survey responses and voluntary focus groups, analyzed using thematic analysis grounded in Kolb's experiential learning theory.

Most students rated their overall educational experience in SAMI as good or excellent. Teamwork activities and standardized patient encounters were highly rated for supporting clinical reasoning and communication. Qualitative findings highlighted the value of collaborative learning, integration of basic and clinical sciences, and opportunities for skill-building not routinely practiced during clerkships. Students appreciated revisiting foundational science concepts, particularly through tools like Mechanism of Disease Maps, and valued the psychologically safe, team-based environment. Suggestions for improvement focused on enhanced feedback mechanisms.

SAMI demonstrates that experiential, small-group learning grounded in Kolb's model can effectively bridge the gap between basic science and clinical reasoning during clerkships. Enhancing feedback and streamlining logistics may further strengthen such integrative educational interventions.