Weaving Histology into the Fabric of Medical Education: Histology as a Foundation for Integration and Application

Abstract

Over the past two decades, histology education in the health sciences has undergone a dramatic shift both in method (use of virtual microscopy) and curricular focus (decrease in hours; increased integration). While this new landscape introduced challenges for histology teaching, histology’s strengths as a conceptual link between molecular/cellular level mechanisms and organismal structure and function make it an ideal springboard for integrating multiple disciplines in creative ways, allowing the discipline to play a key role in building both foundational knowledge and clinical diagnostic skills.At Drexel University College of Medicine, histology is taught as part of an integrated curriculum that takes a sequenced normal (yr 1)/abnormal (yr 2) approach. Content delivery utilizes a flipped‐classroom approach, and histology is integrated within four different types of delivery methods including integrated online ‘Independent Learning Modules’; Histology focused (but integrated) ‘Laboratory Reviews’ including scavenger hunt and mystery slide exercises; multidisciplinary ‘Think‐Pair‐Share’ sessions; and multidisciplinary ‘Team Based Learning’ sessions that focus on clinical application. Specific examples of each of these integrated modalities will be presented with a focus on highlighting the challenges and opportunities these approaches afford from the perspective of the discipline, the educator, the student, and ultimately the clinician.