PROBLEM-BASED TEACHING AND LEARNING AS A BRIDGE FROM BASIC ANATOMY TOCLINICAL CLERKSHIPS

This article describes a Clinical Anatomy course designed to bridge ba sic anatomy with clinical clerkships. It is given in the second year, after the traditional dissecting anatomy course. Students revisit anat omy during small group discussions of clinical cases. An example of a case is described together with a summary of a typical group process s timulated by the case. The group process enables students to develop c linical thinking and problem solving skills fundamental to clinical pr actice. They learn to search for medical knowledge resources, and to w ork in teams. The tutor evaluates the students' progress based on thei r knowledge building, problem solving and development of their interpe rsonal skills. Problem based learning in this interdisciplinary anatom y course allows students and faculty both horizontal and vertical inte gration within the curriculum.