Let the Sunshine In - Omera Jatelo's Medical Odyssey

Abstract

Abstract This is a problem-based learning (PBL) case on vitamin D deficiency that is to be used as part of the physiology education of first-year medical students. However, the case can be easily adapted for the education of other health professionals. With minor alterations, it can also be used with less or more advanced medical learners. The case describes a previously healthy young man, with a normal BMI, a healthy dietary lifestyle, and in fit condition, who experiences chest pain and is treated for heart problems until worsening and additional symptoms lead to the discovery of vitamin D deficiency. He then reaches an asymptomatic status after a few months of taking vitamin D and calcium supplements. The learner will review basic cardiovascular and respiratory physiology topics as well as traditional textbook knowledge on vitamin D and calcium. The leaner will research and understand new clinically relevant vitamin D-related facts that basic science medical textbooks do not yet contain. Lastly, the student will review factual knowledge in the context of medical competencies. This PBL case is exemplary in that it motivates students to learn basic knowledge in cardiovascular and endocrine physiology, while it makes them at the same time recognize the skill of clinical problem solving and the need of seeing a patient as a whole person. This PBL case is very flexible. While it is written for MS1 in the form of three sessions, it can easily be changed so that it can be used with less or more advanced learners, within a shorter or longer timeframe.

Keywords

• Vitamin D Deficiency
• Problem-Based Learning
• Case-Based Learning
• Hypocalcemia
• Social and Community Context
• Effective Communication