Anatomical-Clinical Correlation: A Computer Simulation for Freshmen Medical Students.

Abstract A series of 15 interactive clinical simulations were coded in the computer language FOCAL to supplement the gross anatomy and neurobiology curricula. The freshman student can use this adjunct to correlate basic science instruction with clinical-patient information. Each patient is presented to the student-physician in interactive sections of history, physical examination, special tests, and disposition. The latter involves answering questions regarding diagnosis, applied anatomy, treatment and medical ethics. A subprogram of a neurological patient gives a graphical sequence of the main pathways, pathology and possible treatment for Parkinson's disease. The program has been evaluated by two successive freshman classes with a favorable response.