“Biology of the Eye,” A Novel Multiformat Translational Elective for Medical Students

Abstract

Objective To allow medical undergraduate students an exposure to ophthalmology in the preclinical years as well as introduce concepts of basic and clinical science in ophthalmology for medical students. Methods The 10-session elective was offered to 2nd year medical students in the fall of 2016 and to 1st and 2nd year medical students in the fall of 2017 at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The curriculum included a dissection laboratory, lectures, and journal reviews of key topics in ophthalmology with a basic scientist and clinician. At the conclusion of the sessions, the students evaluated this course by survey. Results Six medical students participated in the fall of 2016 and 11 students in the fall of 2017. The response rate was 83.33 and 100%, respectively. On a five- point Likert's scale, the students in both fall 2016 and 2017 rated the course as 4.7, indicating a positive reaction. Quality of learning objectives was rated as 4.4 and 4.5 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Course management had a score of 4.4 and 4.6 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Comments included: “I learned a lot about the eye I would not have known if I had not taken the course,” “I enjoyed the interplay between the clinical and basic science experts,” and “I liked the model of learning about a subject then looking at the research [sic].” Conclusions Based on the students' responses and level of satisfaction, we concluded that the elective course was successful at increasing medical students' exposure to ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine while incorporating both basic and clinical science. Based on review of the students' feedback, modifications to the course included, expanding the course to 1st year medical students, limiting presentation times, simplifying presentation topics, and adding worksheets to guide article review sessions.