Getting to the core of medicine: Developing undergraduate forensic medicine and pathology teaching. (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Richard Martin
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic and legal medicine. Volume 52(2017)
• Page Start: 245
• Page End: 251
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Forensic medicine -- Forensic pathology -- Medical education -- Safeguarding -- Vulnerable populations; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.10.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-928X

Abstract

Abstract: Teaching and learning of forensic medicine and pathology in the undergraduate medical curriculum has been in decline for decades in the UK, and yet graduates are expected to be able to recognise, and protect, those who are most vulnerable in society – i.e. at risk of abuse or neglect - a matter highly relevant to the role of the forensic medical practitioner. When Cardiff University School of Medicine created a new 'learner-centred' undergraduate curriculum, championing case-based discussion in small groups, and earlier clinical contact, residual teaching on 'the pathology of trauma' disappeared. An opportunity to create a new course for the year 3 core curriculum, however, led to re-emergence of forensic medicine and pathology, with a focus on identification, and protection, of the 'vulnerable patient'. This paper describes the development process of the first two iterations of that course, and the influence of 'listening to the student voice'. Forensic medicine and pathology remain relevant in undergraduate medical education; effective, and ethical, safeguarding of the vulnerable is an essential 'core' skill of the modern medical graduate, and forensic medical practitioners can play an integral role in the preparation of medical students for their future clinical practice. Highlights: Forensic medicine has been integrated into a modern UK medical curriculum. Focusing on the 'vulnerable patient' is useful and clinically relevant. Forensic teaching encourages students to 'think outside the box', and 'keep an open mind'. Multi-disciplinary safeguarding teaching is appreciated by medical students. Forensic practitioners have a role in preparing medical students for future practice.