Cystic Fibrosis Case for First-Year Medical Students - Team-Based Learning Format

Abstract

Abstract Using cases to expose medical students to clinical scenarios early in their education helps to put the basic science information into context. This increases retention of knowledge and creates a more enjoyable learning experience in the classroom. In addition, students have better attitudes toward the subject, develop better social skills, and become more articulate. Furthermore, the introduction of cases to first-year medical students is becoming more important as the NBME shelf exams and USMLE Step One exam are becoming more clinically oriented. This case on cystic fibrosis was written as a joint effort by faculty members from the departments of physiology, cell biology, and biochemistry genetics as an integrated case for first-year medical students in a team-based learning format. The case provides basic background clinical information covering material that students were introduced to in the first four weeks of the semester. The questions at the end of the case were written to stimulate group discussion. Overall, this small-group clinical case work promotes student interaction and discussion, as well as increased retention of knowledge and enhanced student interest.

Keywords

• TBL
• Team-based Learning
• CFTR Gene
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Sweat Test