ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM
Presenter's
Information
| Author’s name 1: Affiliation 1: Department 1: e-mail 1: phone 1: |
Michael Harris, PhD
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| Author’s name 2 : Affiliation 2: Department 2: e-mail 2: phone 2: |
Michael Altose
CWRU
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| Author’s name 3: Affiliation 3: Department 3: e-mail 3: phone 3: |
Lars Peterson
CWRU
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Poster Title
Methods in a Clinical Context |
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Poster Abstract (Text only, do not exceed 250 words)
The goal of the project is to provide students with basic and clinically relevant understanding of molecular diagnostic and experimental methods, and in so doing, amplify key concepts in biochemistry and the molecular biology. To accomplish this goal we are revising a small group sessions for the Molecular Biology portion of the Year I MBDG Committee.
A continuing challenge in medical education is demonstrating linkage between basic science concepts and experiences in the clinic. Additionally, it can be difficult to keep the curriculum current amid rapid expansion in our understanding of human genome structure and the molecular physiology.
The current small group sessions describe molecular diagnostic techniques such as PCR and northern blotting in the context of rare human mutations discussed in the Genetics Section. However, these sessions are not currently designed to present students with a specific problem, or case study. An additional liability is that a significant amount of time is taken describing methodological details rather that clinical or diagnostic relevance. The planned revision will involve 1. development of a curriculum information base for students, 2. revision to focus on common and some specialized clinical tests such as ELISA, PCR, western blotting, and microarrays, 3. design of problem sets allowing students to explore the molecular basis, strengths and weaknesses of each approach. Successful outcome will be measured by a series of practice tests and well as the performance on MBDG Committee exams
If successful these small group sessions with help demonstrate in a practical way the interconnections between basic science concepts and the students own direct experiences with patients. A key goal will be to help reinforce a basic understanding of the molecular basis for human gene expression.