Capture of histopathological images by medical students using the digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones during histopathology classes / 医学教育

Background: New methods are needed to assist medical students with active learning during histopathology classes. The built–in digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones have recently been used to capture histopathological images during histopathology classes. We examined how the use of the cameras affected students’ attitudes to classwork.<br>Method: The students were encouraged to capture histopathological images with the digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones. We observed and recorded changes in their learning attitude.<br>Result: The students captured many histopathological images with their digital cameras. They discussed the pathology of the diseases with their instructors while viewing captured images on the phones’ screens. Some students sorted the image files and used them for self–study after class.<br>Conclusion: Active learning is encouraged by allowing medical students to record histopathological images with the built–in digital cameras of cell phones and smart phones during histopathology classes.

Experience of Clinical Practice During the Student Era at Osaka University Medical School / 医学教育

To clarify the experience in clinical practice of students at Osaka University Medical School, a questionnaire survey was performed according to the International Classification of Primary Care. More than half of the students had observed only 6 of the 23 reasons for seeking primary care such as headache and hypertension but had not experienced 17 of the 23 reasons, such as cough and abdominal pain. Most students had observed malignancy and chronic diseases, but more than half had only knowledge of 54 of 105 diseases such as appendicitis. In conclusion, medical students' experiences in clinical practice are not well balanced.