Curricular course for medical students at a hematology and oncology specialty practice, 2010-2022

Aim: For several years now, medical students have also been taught general practice at academic medical teaching practices. Specialty practices have not yet been included in the curricular education. Since 1998, we have conducted a block seminar in hematology twice per semester for eighth-semester medical students. This block seminar was offered from 1998-2001 to students at the Philipps University in Marburg and since 2001 to students at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz. Since 2010 our block seminar has been part of the curriculum at the Johannes Gutenberg University. Method: Standardized course evaluation by students who had attended our block seminar between January 2010 and March 2022. Courses that were held virtually due to corona were not included in the analysis. The questionnaire used to evaluate courses in the medical degree program at the Johannes Gutenberg University served as the evaluation instrument. Results: Since 1998 more than 1,000 students have attended our seminar. The systematic evaluation of the course by 500 students who participated in the curricular, classroom-based seminar sessions since 2010 shows that the highest ratings possible are given for practical relevance, learning atmosphere, teaching and effectiveness. Conclusion: High quality in teaching curricular courses to medical students at a specialty practice is possible. Insights into the possibilities connected with working in the outpatient setting at a medical practice broadens students’ experience. This teaching format facilitates external university instructors in terms of teaching and, at the same time, relieves the university in terms of staff and financial budget.