Problem Solving
The competent graduate recognizes and thoroughly characterizes a problem. The
graduate develops an informed plan of action, acts to resolve the problem, and
subsequently assesses the results of his/her actions.
Aloysius (Butch) Humbert, M.D.
Competency Director, Problem Solving
View Video Clip
Patrick Bankston, Ph.D.
Former Competency Director, Problem Solving
Sample Learning Experiences:
A faculty member could institute problem-based case studies in small groups
(6-10 students). Paper medical cases appropriately selected to coordinate with
course content are an ideal way to present a problem, teach students about the
resources needed to seek a solution, provide an informal forum for discussion
of discovered information, present a possible solution and analyze the results
and process. A good example is a myasthenia gravis case to emphasize
immunological disorders.
Since the early 1990’s problem-based learning (PBL) has been used as a teaching
strategy at sites all across the state. Students in Indianapolis, West
Lafayette, and Terre Haute learn using patient paper cases in the
“Concepts of Health and Disease” courses. The Northwest Center has
taught PBL across the curriculum for more than 15 years. Basic science
disciplines like biochemistry, immunology, pathology, and pharmacology at most
IUSM sites include problem-solving activities either individually or in small
groups to achieve Level 1 training in this area. In the clinical years, Level 2
accomplishment is assessed during the Surgery Clerkship within the natural
context of real patient problems. Level 3 attainment can be documented during
the Emergency Medicine Clerkship or in elective courses designed to provide a
concentrated focus on problem-solving skill. Level 3 work is generally a
month-long experience where specific patient problems are selected for
additional literature review and a case report, oral presentation or series of
case studies is used to document student learning.
Faculty can contact Butch Humbert,ahumbert@iupui.edu,
for more information about Competency 8 or the “Concept of Health and
Disease” Course (CHD) at IUSM-Terre Haute. Additionally, the CHD course
directors at Indianapolis (Chip Wilde, cwilde@iupui.edu
) or West Lafayette (Regina Kreisle, rak@vet.purdue.edu),
or the IUSM-Northwest Center Director (Pat Bankston,
pbanks@iun.edu) can be contacted for help.
Bibliography
For more details on this competency, please click
here.