ABSTRACT
The importance of cooperation among the staffs of various medical specialties has been recognized.However, medical students have little chance to study with students of other specialties.We planned and held an interdisciplinary freshman seminar based on problem-based group learning for health science students.<BR>1) All freshmen entering the Shinshu University School of Medicine were divided into 20 groups and participated in a group-learning program.<BR>2) Students watched video material focusing on medical communication and were asked to investigate and discuss this issue in greater detail to deepen their understanding.<BR>3) Questionnaires filled out by students after the course revealed that most students were satisfied with the program because they could deepen their partnership with students of other specialties but were unsatisfied with the program's tight schedule and the inefficiency of discussions.<BR>4) Many instructors felt that the number of students in each group (12 or 13) was too large for effective group discussion.<BR>5) This program helped students understand the importance of communication in medicine but did not encourage students to study for themselves.