Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science Case Study
See how small-group in-class learning transformed diagnostic confidence for first-year
impact
Overview
Interactive case-based learning meets the cardiology classroom
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science piloted DDx by Sketchy with first-year medical students in their cardiology block curriculum. Using a small-group in-class format, 60 students worked through a DDx cardiac case together — actively practicing history-taking, physical exam interpretation, differential diagnosis, and clinical decision-making in a guided, supportive environment. The results demonstrated meaningful gains in diagnostic confidence and near-universal student and faculty enthusiasm.
Overview
The challenge
Bridging the gap between knowledge and clinical application
The program sought a scalable, case-based learning solution that could simulate realistic psychiatric patient encounters while allowing students to practice clinical decision-making without increasing faculty workload.
Developing early clinical reasoning skills is essential for medical students as they transition from foundational knowledge to real-world application. At Charles Drew, faculty sought to enhann-class engagement in the cardiology block by incorporating small-group, interactive case-based learning. To provide a structured and collaborative way for first-year students to apply cardiology concepts, they piloted DDx as a tool for facilitating dynamic, case-driven discussions in a guided, interactive environment.
The solution
Why DDx by Sketchy?
- Structured in-class DDx case session during cardiology curriculum block
- Students worked through a cardiac case in small groups with collaborative discussion
- Real-time AI feedback guided history-taking, exam interpretation, and differential reasoning
- Faculty monitored student progress and facilitated structured, case-driven discussion throughout
Rosalyn Ferguson, MD, MSHA — Professor of Surgery, Charles Drew University of Health Sciences
DDx by Sketchy was integrated into the cardiology block as an in-class small-group learning activity. Students worked collaboratively through a DDx cardiac case, practicing history-taking, interpreting physical exam findings, developing differential diagnoses, ordering diagnostic tests, and reasoning toward a management plan. Throughout the session, DDx provided consistent, constructive feedback while faculty facilitated discussion and guided clinical reasoning.
How did DDx by Sketchy fit?
DDx by Sketchy was integrated into the cardiology block as an in-class small-group learning activity. Students worked collaboratively through a DDx cardiac case, practicing history-taking, interpreting physical exam findings, developing differential diagnoses, ordering diagnostic tests, and reasoning toward a management plan. Throughout the session, DDx provided consistent, constructive feedback while faculty facilitated discussion and guided clinical reasoning.
Cardiology DDx case (cardiac and pulmonary presenting symptoms)
The results
Meaningful Gains in Diagnostic Confidence Across All Competencies
Students reported a 48% overall increase in perceived clinical reasoning ability following the pilot — with the most significant gains in interpreting diagnostic results (+68%) and ordering diagnostic tests (+51%). Students rated the platform 9.0 out of 10 for enjoyment and 9.2 out of 10 for effectiveness, and 9.2 out of 10 in favor of integrating DDx into more courses.
Testimonials
What students said
A scalable, cost-effective path to clinical readiness
The Charles Drew pilot demonstrated DDx's ability to enhance early clinical reasoning, increase student engagement, and provide a scalable, cost-effective alternative to standardized patient encounters. With overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and faculty, the pilot highlighted DDx's potential for broader curricular integration—helping future physicians build the confidence and skills needed for clinical decision-making.
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