Problem-Based Learning

Friday, October 19, 2001
Sarah Flaum Atrium
William and Mildred Levine Pavilion
Arthur Kornberg Medical Research Building
School of Medicine & Dentistry

Problem-Based Learning:
The Rochester "Double Helix" Curriculum

The Double Helix Curriculum captures the integrated strands of basic science and clinical medicine as they are woven throughout the four-year curriculum. Each element of the curriculum strengthens Rochester's biopsychosocial tradition by fostering knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors of the physician/scientist/humanist, by combining cutting-edge, evidence-based medical science with the relationship-centered art that is medicine's distinctive trademark.

A New Way to Learn Requires a New Learning Environment

The Mary & George D'Angelo, M.D. '51 Learning Center consists of 12 new problem-based learning (PBL) classrooms, each featuring a fully equipped doctor's office and state-of-the-art video and computer equipment. Students can learn about the anatomy of the knee and immediately learn how to do a knee exam in a doctor's office, all within the confines of the classroom. PBL rooms are equipped with projection microscopes, an oversized television with videocassette recorder, a conference table with Internet links for laptops, a computer workstation and lots of whiteboard space. All of this provides students with endless opportunities to get, view, and share information in virtually any form, from slides to computer images to database listings printed on high-speed printers.

-as written for Rochester Medicine Magazine, 2001

Dr. George and Mary D'Angelo

Dr. George and Mary D'Angelo are no strangers to philanthropic support. Described as "Erie's greatest benefactors," it is plain to see that philanthropy is quite important to this couple.

Their support of the School of Medicine and Dentistry is apparent as well. The D'Angelos have made a significant pledge to the University of Rochester Medical Center to support the programs of the problem-based learning center. In addition, the D'Angelos have included the School of Medicine and Dentistry in their will to support The Mary & George D'Angelo, M.D. '51 Learning Center in perpetuity.

Following his 1951 graduation from the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dr. D'Angelo trained at Duke University Medical Center for seven years, then established a cardiac surgical practice in Erie, PA, where he and Mary live today. His career is a model of applying new knowledge to practice. As a thoracic surgeon, he pioneered the first open-heart surgery in northwestern Pennsylvania in 1962, the first pacemaker implantation in 1965, and the first coronary bypass operation in 1969. His clinical research on a new and more efficient artificial heart valve began in the late 1970s. Dr. D'Angelo retired from practice two years ago. Dr. & Mrs. D'Angelo have five children and nine grandchildren.

"For a long time, I have felt that medical education needed to integrate the pre-clinical and clinical so that students would have more experience, a more thorough grounding in basic science, and more opportunity to apply advances in research."

-George D'Angelo, MD '51

"We are really very grateful for their commitment and ongoing support of Medical Education here at the University of Rochester."

-Jay H. Stein, MD
Senior Vice President
& Vice Provost for Health Affairs
Medical Center and Strong Health CEO

Musical Tribute
"Il balen del suo sorriso" Verdi
Performed by Todd Florin '04

"George Engel was instrumental in beginning what we see today....he professed the importance of the biopsychosocial model in patient treatment. This innovative restructuring of the curriculum in medicine is really the Medical Education of the future. [The Rochester Model] encourages students to treat the total patient, and not just the disease. The Double Helix Curriculum will be the national standard for other Medical Schools. The School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester should be very proud of this distinction."

-George D'Angelo, MD '51

George D'Angelo, MD '51 at the dedication of The Mary and George D'Angelo, M.D. '51 Learning Center.