| Summary: | Abstract This team-based learning (TBL) educational resource is woven around a newborn female with Down syndrome. Educational goals include an understanding of genetic mechanisms, congenital heart disease, a complete blood count including interpretation of a peripheral smear, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and bone marrow transplantation, and neurodegenerative disease. Use of this learning tool encourages collegial interaction, peer-to-peer clarification of knowledge, and dynamic sharing to arrive at consensus choices. The PowerPoint presentation is organized as an unfolding case history, reflecting how this genetic disease gradually affects multiple organ systems. Eight multiple-choice questions are inserted at strategic points in this exercise. Medical students may answer these questions in teams or as individuals. The authors have field-tested this exercise for 3 years (2003-2005) as part of a TBL module in genetic diseases, presented within a course teaching fundamentals of pathology and pharmacology in the second-year curriculum at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. Suggestions for improvement by students and faculty have been incorporated to enhance its quality. The pilot trial of this exercise was evaluated as part of a prospective study comparing TBL case-based group discussion.
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