An active learning assignment was developed for students in an introductory microbiology course for health professionals and also used in advanced immunology and virology courses. Project objectives included providing students with an opportunity to develop skills in research, written communication, and team-building while better understanding how various diseases impact individuals of diverse cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and gender identities. Additionally, students cultivate proficiency in analyzing medical information and critically reviewing peer work. Students develop a 2-4 page, well organized, creative and personalized presentation encompassing the chronological case history, any personal or clinical intervention of the disease pathology and its outcome. The account must include at least four integrated questions requiring a reader to comprehensively address the following topics: disease etiology, diagnosis, pathogen characteristics, pathogenesis, treatment and/or prevention. Unfamiliar terminology must be defined and instructional visuals included. Classmates solved and reviewed peers’ case studies, and expressed enthusiasm for this real-life experience.
