Nancy R. Stevenson, Ph.D.

Originally I worked on basic research in small intestinal transport mechanisms and then broadened my interest to more medically related aspects of physiology and nutrition. Currently, I am involved in curricular development. One of the new aspects is the production of videotaped patient, clinician and clinical dietitian interviews that integrate nutrition, physiology, biochemistry and medicine. These tapes are augmented with the case study, X-rays and other diagnostic films, references and templates (learner and faculty questions, background material, etc) for their use in educational areas from high school through continuing medical education. These are designed as adjuncts to lectures and to enhance independent inquiry as stand-alone educational units or the basis of small groups.

Some conditions are acute and the interview covers only several years of the patient’s life, other are chronic and cover most of the patient’s life. Some interviews are designed to deal with common nutrient deficiencies or excesses and others with diseases requiring diet therapy. Each interview illustrates several aspects of nutrition and medicine. In the first case: 1) How a nutrient deficiency/excess presents and is clinically documented; 2) Medical/Dietary/Life style history of the patient; and 3) Medical and dietary treatment. In the second case: 1) How a disease presents and is clinically documented; 2) Medical/Life Style history; 3) Medical treatment and diet therapy. All interviews model interactions within the health team and when appropriate the role of the clinical dietitian in the patient treatment.

The role of students in these projects depends on the student’s background and interest. Student projects have involved development of the case, editing the videotapes, creating the various portions of the templates and field testing the materials.

Stevenson, N.R. (1995) Write Your Own Small Groups. Poster presentation at the Proc. 2nd Biannual Basic Science Educational Forum Conference, Strategies for Integrating Clinical and Basic Science, Rush Medical College, Chicago Ill. June 24-27, 1995. (Basic Science Educator Bulleting being converted to Web-based publication)

Sardeson, K., and Stevenson, N.R. (1995) Evaluating Programs Designed for Content Integration in Years 1-2, Discussion Group Summary. Proc. 2nd Biannual Basic Science Educational Forum Conference. (Basic Science Educator Bulleting being converted to Web-based publication)

Stevenson, N.R., Riley, D, and Greco, M. (2001) Patient-Centered Physiology Small Groups - Clinical Aspects of Physiology. Oral, poster and video presentation presented at the 5th Annual Meeting, Internatl. Assoc of Med. Sci. Educators, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 21 - 24, 2001. Abstract published on the IAMSE Web Site, www.iamse.org