The medical school provided one multi-headed microscope for each of our five laboratory skills areas. Frequently, groups of students can be found reviewing slides without faculty assistance, and apparently enjoying this experience. These microscopes immediately became very popular and important learning tools in many other HMS and HSDM courses. All physicians and dentists need to now how to interpret laboratory test results and surgical pathology reports, and how to communicate effectively with the specialists who generate them. Therefore, the Pathology course includes lectures on these topics as well as a special laboratory in which students learn how diagnostic tests are performed and get hands-on experience in performing some of these tests on their own blood.
Most people have to learn to become effective teachers.
An important benefit of having professional educators involved with the HMS curriculum is that faculty have the opportunity to work with them to enhance their effectiveness as teachers. Its content will change as knowledge advances. However, key elements of the course are likely to remain constants. Finally, the faculty will continue to convey their excitement about their chosen field.