Methods and Logic in Medicine 2
MS-2

September 2, 2009 – December 16, 2009
15 sessions

Course Director
Peter Drain, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
drain@pitt.edu

Course Director
Rachel J. Givelber, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Medicine
givelberrj@upmc.edu

Course Description

In Methods and Logic in Medicine 2 (MLM 2) students apply their critical thinking and literature-review skills to exploring an area of interest and developing a scholarly project proposal. They also select a faculty mentor to work with on the project.

The goals of the course are:

1. formulate a scholarly project proposal with the help of the faculty mentor and the MLM 2 facilitators.
2. thoroughly review relevant background literature.
3. prepare a short written proposal for the scholarly project, and make a PowerPoint presentation of the project to the class.
4. critically evaluate peer proposals and provide substantive feedback.
5. revise the written proposals, addressing critiques from faculty and peers, and make a PowerPoint presentation of the revised scholarly project proposal to the class.

The 36 faculty are from 11 departments: Anesthesiology; Cell Biology and Physiology; Emergency Medicine; Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; Ophthalmology; Pathology; Pediatrics; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Psychiatry; Surgery; and Environmental and Occupational Health (School of Public Health).

Educational Methods

	Self-directed learning		Development of a research proposal
	Small-group discussion		Oral presentation using PowerPoint

Evaluation

Evaluation for MLM 2 is based on written proposals and PowerPoint presentations, both initial and revised; participation in discussions; written critique of a peer scholarly project proposal; attendance and timely completion of all assignments.

Grading: This course comprises 100% of the Scientific Reasoning in Medicine Block, Section 3. Grading for the block section is Honors, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory.

Faculty Note

Beth Piraino, MD, is a recipient of the Kenneth E. Schuit Award. Peter Drain, PhD, is a recipient of the Sheldon Adler Award for Innovation in Medical Education. Thuy Bui, MD, is a recipient of the Donald S. Fraley Award for Medical Student Mentoring. Allen Humphrey, PhD, is a recipient of the Kenneth E. Schuit Award, multiple Excellence in Education Awards for Outstanding Course Director, and multiple Pre-clinical Golden Apple Awards. William R. McIvor, MD, is a recipient of the Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award and the Golden Apple Award. David Steed, MD, is a recipient of a Clinical Golden Apple Award and multiple Charles C. Moore House Staff Teaching Awards. Samuel Tisherman, MD, is a recipient of the Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award. Evan L. Waxman, MD, PhD, is a recipient of the Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award. In addition, the following faculty participants are members of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Academy of Master Educators: Peter Drain, PhD; Dena Hofkosh, MD; Allen Humphrey, PhD; John Mahoney, MD; William R. McIvor, MD; and Samuel Tisherman, MD.