Problem-Based Learning as a Training Modality in the Occupational Medicine Curriculum

Abstract

Problem-based learning has been used as a curricular modality in the academic year of the Occupational Medicine Residency Program. The method was applied to the resolution of problems presented by patients referred to a university clinic specifically for the determination of possible work-relatedness of the syndrome or symptoms presented. Following the usual development of the occupational and medical histories, physical examination, and determination of certain clinical laboratory values, the resident would then have to seek assistance through consultation with related specialists, a perusal of the pertinent toxicology, epidemiology, or other discipline literature, and ultimately prepare a university-level report, following case conferences with fellow residents and faculty members. No formal direction was given the student, the problems of diagnosis, occupational etiology and medicolegal acceptance of the resulting report having to be resolved through self-perusal of informational sources. The knowledge gained from the exercise would be longer-lasting than that attained strictly from lecture attendance.