A fundamental understanding of anatomy is critical for students on many health science courses. It has been suggested that a problem-based approach to learning anatomy may result in deficits in foundation knowledge. The aim of this review is to compare traditional didactic methods with problem-based learning methods for obtaining anatomy…

The aim of this study was to assess the contents of medical textbooks, eMedicine (Medscape) topics, and YouTube videos on cardiovascular mechanisms. Medical textbooks, eMedicine articles, and YouTube were searched for cardiovascular mechanisms. Using appraisal forms, copies of these resources and videos were evaluated independently by three…

A study compared the attitudes toward change held by students preparing for careers as teachers, nurses, medical doctors, and lawyers. It was hypothesized that: (1) education majors are less likely to be open to change than other students; (2) education and nursing ("semi-professions") majors are less likely to be open to change than other…

The participation of American Indians in the United States medical education system is reported. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges are analyzed for trends over the last decade, and prospects for the near future are considered. Indications are that participation has been low and will continue to lag unless steps are taken. (JMD)

The 55 medical students from the University of Alabama who used a commercial test-coaching company's services to prepare for the National Board of Medical Examiners Part I examination scored significantly higher than students with comparable basic science grade-point averages. The impact of such coaching on licensure is discussed. (Author/JMD)

Different ways student-generated learning issues are used to deal with disciplinary content were assessed at seven North American medical schools with problem-based curricula. Structured interviews with key faculty representing the schools being studied suggested that the seven programs are encouraging the development of self-directed learning…

This report addresses the problem of underrepresentation of minorities in the health care professions and presents results of a comparative study that examined the factors differentiating schools that enroll and graduate relatively large numbers of minority students from those who do not. Study findings revealed that schools with higher minority…

(Purpose) This report summarizes a synthesis of the literature related to the evidence, initiatives and approaches to rural/northern medical education, particularly its role in strengthening the medical workforce in rural areas. (Methodology) A literature review was conducted involving the literature databases MEDLINE (January 1990-March 2003),…

Issues in problem-based learning in medical education, revealed in a literature review, are discussed including basic and clinical science examination performance; thinking processes and study behaviors promoted; learning environment; student progress and satisfaction; graduate perceptions; choice of residency and specialty; faculty satisfaction;…