María Fernanda Correa’s scientific contributions

Recent progress of scientific research has notably increased the basic knowledge in genetic and molecular biology, required by medical doctors. Biochemistry educators in medical schools are challenged not only, to provide students with a strong and updated base with this new information, but also to engage them into the scientific process. One of the newest educational tools that could provide this achievement is the acquisition of information by learning-doing, like laboratory activities. In order to evaluate the impact of laboratory work over medical development a pilot experience was held at the Biochemistry Department of “Luis Razetti” Medical School, at Universidad Central de Venezuela from 2005 to 2006. Basic techniques in molecular biology were introduced to registered students and they were able to isolate DNA from different human samples, perform a PCR reaction and visualize the PCR product in agarose electrophoresis gel. We also included information about ethical issues regarding information for genetic and genomic research, such an informed consent and donation of biological samples to biobank, very actual and important information for medical doctor.At the end of the activity, the students were asked, by using a voluntary and anonymous survey, about the impact of the laboratory knowledge acquisition. The result of the survey reported, that the students considered these laboratory activities important and useful tools in their learning process. We received their suggestion to include more laboratory activities in the Biochemistry curricular program.