Revista de Medicina y Cine / Journal of Medicine and Movies (Apr 2016)
«The faithful gardener» (2005) and the complex debate on drug research
Abstract
Movies have been widely used in teaching and it has been shown to be a tool of high pedagogical interest. This article describes five years of teaching experience in pharmacology using the film The Constant Gardener. Two similar teaching formats and data on students’ perceptions are described: students from the Biology Degree at Universitat Pompeu Fabra (N=261) and students from the Pharmacy Degree at Universidad de Valencia (n=295). The main topics discussed by students during these activities ranged from the role of the protagonists and the cinematographic resources, to several medical and research aspects such as conflict of interest, ethics and drugs, phases of research, clinical trials, and the institutions involved, among others. During the discussion it emerges that the author of the novel on which the film was based was inspired by a real event known as the Trovan® case. About 80% of students assessed the film-sessions as interesting. Only the length of the sessions seems to be a limitation, although other strategies could be used to reduce this factor. Despite the movie having both supporters and detractors, it seems to be useful in teaching topics related with drug research. Through this experience, The Constant Gardener has proven attractive for encouraging participation and discussion among the students
