Recent Developments

First and second year USA College of Medicine Students began this year in renovated amphitheaters. The amphitheaters now have desktop seating, which allows students to use laptop computers during lectures. Also, the aesthetics are improved with new carpet and comfortable seating. Electrical capacity has been increased in the rooms to include power outlets at each seat. Wireless internet is now available, along with MP3 equipment for audio recordings. There are also Sympodium Smart Board® monitors and software available that incorporate touch screen controls for room and media functions. The stage has been extended with a newly designed podium. The new podium designs were provided by the Department of Educational Technologies. The auditoriums are designed so that each student has a clear view of the presentations and screens.

Online Testing

The implementation of online testing started last year with pathology, gross anatomy, and histology courses in the College of Medicine. This year, the microbiology and neuroscience courses also began providing online exams using Questionmark Perception® software. Advantages to online testing include immediate exam results, color image, quality, and preparation for board exams.

In 2007, the first and second year students were provided with lap top “computer labs” for online testing. The Department of Educational Technologies provides each student a pre-loaded lap top to be used during testing. By providing pre-loaded laptops, the Department of Educational Technologies and Services has increased exam security and eliminated software conflicts.

Gross Lab

Thanks to the generous support of the College of Medicine Alumni Association the College of Medicine has a new system for conducting gross lab demonstrations. Designed by the Department of Educational Technologies.

The foremost addition was the addition of 21 XGA monitors. The new monitors allow each student a clear view of the gross lab demonstrations; this enables each student to receive the same educational experience. The new system has been well received. An added feature is that the demonstrations are now recorded to DVD and distributed to medical students.

Medical Simulation

Equipment that will be used by the College of Medicine for medical simulation has been funded in the amount of one million dollars for the next two years by the USA Foundation. Simulation in medical education provides medical students and residents access to authentic patient situations without patient risk. Through simulation, students are able to practice and refine their cognitive and declarative knowledge and their physical procedural skills in a controlled environment. Medical simulation has been implemented at USAMC and Children's and Women's Hospital. Areas of focus include surgery, Ob/Gyn, and pediatrics.