Historical medical mission modernised with conceptualised case-based simulation: cardiorespiratory disease model integrating clinical skills and basic science physiology

The dynamics of the ever-changing healthcare environment has influenced medical educators to take on the arduous task of modernising medical school curricula to incorporate the latest technologies and teaching modalities in an effort to bolster preparation of future clinicians. Howard University (HU) College of Medicine trains under-represented medical healthcare professionals to serve underserved, disenfranchised populations where physician shortage and limited access to healthcare disproportionately widen the wellness gap, thereby creating health disparities. To that end, the HU Health Sciences enterprise provides opportunities for implementing novel technology to promote excellence in teaching, superior clinical skills training and patient safety to produce the next generation of postgraduate physicians, clinical researchers and healthcare professionals. Here, pilot simulations employing a multifaceted case-based teaching approach integrating basic science lecture objectives with the acquisition of clinical skills germane to the assessment of cardiorespiratory function are revealed through a series of didactic lectures, educational videos, computer-assisted instruction modules and human patient simulation exercises. Recent establishment of the HU Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (Center) and its subsequent accreditation by the American College of Surgeons that classifies it as an Accredited Education Institute perpetuates and reaffirms the HU commitment to academic excellence. The Center’s mission is to provide an ideal learning environment to support educational curricula throughout the HU healthcare complex and to promote patient safety through …