Planning for Active Learning in the Didactic Classroom.

Driven by the convergence of the exponential growth of medical knowledge and the dated medical education delivery system, educators in physician assistant (PA) programs are striving to create teaching practices that actively engage students, improve knowledge retention, and prepare students for a career that requires lifelong learning and reflection. The emphasis on professor-directed teaching and learning activities is shifting toward a more learner-centered approach. To incorporate appropriate active learning exercises into the PA classroom, instructors must plan, design, and execute pedagogically sound practices.

Pediatric lead exposure and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

Changing the source of the water supply to save money had the unintended consequence of exposing residents of Flint, Mich., to elevated lead levels in their drinking water. A study done at Flint's Hurley Children's Hospital demonstrated that the incidence of elevated blood lead levels of children living in the affected area nearly doubled after the change in the water source.