University of Virginia School of
Medicine
Curriculum Committee
Minutes 11.16.00
Pediatric Pathology Conference Room, 4:00 pm
Present (underlined) were: Reid Adams, Robert Bloodgood,
Victoria Camerini,Anita Clayton, Al Connors, Gene
Corbett, Joseph DuBose, (Alexandra Yamshchikov), Joanna
Goldberg, Donald Innes (Chair), Jerry Short, Bill
Wilson,Guests: Marcia Childress, Dennis DeSilvey,
Margaret Mohrmann, Debra Reed (Secretary)
- Umedic. Dennis DeSilvey presented the UMedic Multimedia
Computer Curriculum in Cardiology developed at the University of
Miami. These are CD-ROM programs compatible with current multimedia
computers. They may be used on local area networks. The programs can be
fully integrated into all four years of the medical school curriculum
and post graduate training. The programs are patient-centered and
problem-based. Innovative features include 1) emphasis on bedside
skills; 2) fully featured multimedia; 3) a comprehensive generalist
curriculum for learners are all levels; 4) self learning or lecture
room instruction; 5) use with standardized patients; 6) post-testing
and CME credit. The programs are designed to augment faculty teaching,
not replace it.
- Dr. DeSilvey also distributed information on PneumoSim (a digital
breath sounds simulator, SAM (the student auscultation manikin), and
Cardionics (heart sound simulator). Similar programs have been
developed for other areas of medicine such as GI, emergency medicine
and anesthesiology. Application of this technology in the medical
school curriculum will depend largely on faculty commitment to make use
of the technology. These programs allow standardization and consistency
in basic medical instruction.
While the Committee sees great value in these programs for medical
education, problems of cost, space, and faculty commitment must be
overcome. Although funding for the purchase of the systems must be
obtained, more important is the development of an "education center"
for housing the computers, machinery, and on-site technical support.
The Curriculum Committee will explore these options in the context of
the current curriculum restructure.
- Clinical Connection Review. Reid Adams, Marcia Childress,
and Margaret Mohrmann discussed the first two sessions of the Clinical
Connections pilot program. The September session was entitled Concepts
in Cancer Care and the October session, Issues in Pain Management. The
goal is to address issues (general concepts) not always covered in the
clerkships. Both sessions were well received by students and faculty.
Student evaluations, however, did identify problems that are being
addressed in planning for the rest of the sessions. Patient encounters
and small group work sessions should be included whenever possible.
Balance must be maintained between small group and didactic sessions;
between basic science and clinical and ethical issues.
The centerpiece luncheons, "Clinical Conversations,",are part of
the Spirituality in Medicine grant. The students, provided with lunch,
meet in small groups with a mentor whose job is to focus the discussion
on spiritual or ethical issues that the students are experiencing
during their clerkships. Issues such as student roles and
responsibilities during their clerkships, what it's like to be a part
of medicine for the first time, and dealing with patients who are ill,
are discussed. At the October session, mentors noticed some attendance
issues. Some students picked up their boxed lunch but did not eat with
or participate in the discussion groups.
Attendance at the individual activities during the day has become an
issue. It was noted that many students turned in "check off" forms
indicating attendance at all activities, although observation of
attendance clearly indicated otherwise.
Management of the Clinical Connections Program for next year and beyond
will need to be determined. This program will require a permanent
course director, a method of certifying attendance, and administrative
support perhaps through the CME. CME coordination of the pilot sessions
has been most successful.
-Don Innes
-dmr
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