Using Standardized Patients to Introduce Bioterrorism- related material into a Medical Microbiology and Immunology Curriculum

The overall goal of this study was to determine how engagement in basic science courses and retention of the taught material by students could be improved. To achieve this goal we have piloted the use of Standardized Patients in various settings in the Medical Microbiology and Immunology course at the University of Louisville, School of Medicine. The availability of a high quality standardized patient program with extensive, excellent moulage (makeup) capability, allowed the Department of Microbiology and Immunology to present bioterrorism in the context of cases and patients who exhibit symptoms of the diseases studied. This type of approach is appreciated by the students as deviating form classical lecture format and also is retained far better than material which is not visually presented.