Guided Lab Sessions to Incorporate More Pathology Image Interpretation into Pre-Clerkship Curriculum

Digital slides linked to USMLE-style questions are used for self-assessment quizzes and competency exams, with faculty-reviewed, AI-generated explanations.Digital microscopy was paired with gross organ shows facilitated by pathologists and residents, fostering gross and microscopic correlation, thus augmenting experiential learning.Feedback from randomly assigned 12-15% of the students on key lab components was collected by Qualtrics survey.Results: Evaluation data from the "neoplasia" lab showed that most students found the lab activities challenging but manageable (66.7% excellent, 33.3% good).All students appreciated interacting with faculty and residents (100% excellent).Students reported that the labs helped consolidate their pathology knowledge (83.3% excellent, 16.7% good), had clear objectives (100% excellent), and had appropriate time allocation (83.3% excellent, 16.7% good).Overall satisfaction with the digital slide and gross lab was rated 100% excellent.Free-text feedback helped address any software issues.Conclusions: Our labs provided enhanced learning outcomes by offering a structured and supportive environment.CHIIMERA effectively integrates pathology content into the medical curriculum and engages students through interactive, annotated slides.The labs foster self-directed, competency-based learning and are fully supported by faculty and resident facilitators.Positive student feedback indicates high satisfaction with the innovative delivery of gross and digital pathology content.Free-text feedback expedited the resolution of software issues, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to student needs.