Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Introduction to clinical pathology: A brief course of laboratory medicine in the field for medical students

Authors

. Navid Omidifar 1
. Ali Keshtkari 2
. Mohammadreza Dehghani 3
. Mansoureh Shokripour 4

1 Clinical Education Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz Univer

2 Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, and Emam sajad Hospital, Cnical Reseach Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran

3 Clinical Education Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz,

4 Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Teaching of clinical pathology to medical students has been ignored in many countries
such as Iran. We aim to introduce a practical brief course and its proper timing.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of medical students from consecutive years of entrance
passed a 1.5 working day practical course on the field. Their level of knowledge was assessed by
pre‑ and post‑tests. Their idea and satisfaction were gathered by questionnaires.
RESULTS: Knowledge of students became significantly higher after the course. Their satisfaction
was high. Students in later year of education got significantly higher marks. Most of the students
wished such a course should be away from basic sciences period and as near as possible to
internship.
DISCUSSION: Due to overloaded curriculum of general medicine in Iran, we decided to run a brief
practical course of laboratory medicine education for medical students. Although the course was
practical, the knowledge of students became higher. Students with more clinical experience and
knowledge absorbed more. Being actively involved in the classes lit the enthusiasm of students and
made them satisfied with the course. It seemed that the course should be placed in later years of
clinical training to get the best uptake and results.

Keywords

Clinical pathology
medical students
teaching 
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 7, Issue 5
September and October 2017
Pages 1-5

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