“Starting from the Image”: A Tele-pathology Pre-graduate Course Aimed at Motivating Medical Students

Abstract

In the tele-course entitled “Starting from the image”, medical students are confronted with practical tasks in relevant professional contexts. Initially, a macroscopic or microscopic image of a patient case is presented to learners who then receive relevant information on the patient’s history, clinical findings, and other laboratory tests. A pathologist actively discusses the pathological findings; then, a clinician explains their implications for the patient’s individualized treatment and prognosis. In this way, pathology’s interaction with other medical specialties is highlighted. Students declared that through these simulated professional practice experiences, they strengthened their decision-making skills. Educators should consider upgrading from information-based teaching to practice-focused instruction.