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In today’s complex health and medical landscape, facts alone are not enough. Medical professionals, patients, educators, and researchers are constantly surrounded by streams of data, specialized language, and rapidly evolving scientific knowledge. The challenge is not only accessing information but also making sense of it. This is where sensemaking becomes...

Medical literacy is the ability to use medical language—such as terminology, concepts, and classifications—and to analyze, evaluate, and apply medical information. It goes beyond simply recognizing terms on a chart or repeating what a doctor says. True medical literacy involves interpreting health information in context, asking meaningful questions, comparing sources,...

In medicine, diagnosis is like solving a mystery—every clue matters. Doctors rely on clinical reasoning to piece together information from a patient’s medical history, physical symptoms, and even microscopic anatomy (histology) to understand what’s going on in the body. Now imagine giving children the chance to understand that same kind...

Children are natural question-askers—especially when something is surprising, unfamiliar, or just plain weird. And if you’ve watched the Dog Man movie with a child lately, you may have heard a flurry of questions before the opening scene even finishes: These are big, curious, and important questions. At its core, the...

In medical school, students learn early on that symptoms—especially ones as common as rashes—can have a wide range of causes. One essential skill for clinicians is building differential diagnoses: lists of possible explanations for a patient’s symptoms. Doctors are trained to think broadly, using memory aids like the VITAMIN CDE...

There are many psychological, social, and instructional factors that influence inclusivity in medical learning environments. Implementing specific and actionable strategies would support students and improve learning, engagement, and inclusivity. Psychological Two significant psychological factors are 1) deficit thinking and 2) drink-from-the-firehose curriculum and teaching. Deficit thinking shows up as language...

Chemical allergies—such as contact allergies and more specific sensitivities like methylisothiazolinone allergy—are increasingly common, yet they remain underrepresented in children’s literature. These allergies, often triggered by ingredients in everyday items like soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products, can have a profound effect on a child’s daily life. And yet, for many...

Strength-Based Feedback for Writing Assignments: An Assessment for Educators prioritizes asset/strength-based approaches and feedback. Assessment, whether formative or summative, should not only be of learning, but also for learning. This means that educators have a responsibility to make day-to-day adjustments to teaching based on assessments and provide feedback that moves...

Medical education has largely only been accessible to students selected by accredited medical schools. However, most medical students have historically come from physician families. For example, in the United States “75% of medical students have come from families in the top two quintiles for income” (American Association of Medical Colleges,...

A guaranteed and viable curriculum helps ensure that all students, regardless of their individual instructors or institutions, receive a foundational level of consistent, essential knowledge.

Including medical literacy in your STEM program prepares students not only with technical knowledge but also with the skills, mindset, and adaptability necessary to excel in the diverse and rapidly evolving STEM fields. In an ever-changing landscape, STEM careers increasingly intersect and interconnect with healthcare. Educators have an important role...

When creating medical literacy books, one of the most crucial decisions an author or educator must make is who should be the hero of the story. This decision shapes the narrative, influences how readers connect with the material, and ultimately determines the effectiveness of the educational content. In a medical...

Designing medical literacy activity books requires careful attention to detail, empathy, and a deep understanding of both educational and medical principles. These activity books serve a dual purpose: educating children and young adults about medical concepts while engaging them in fun, interactive learning. Here are the top considerations for creating...

Children’s storybooks play a vital role in helping young readers understand and navigate various health and medical conditions. Crafting a storybook that effectively addresses these topics requires a thoughtful blend of education, empathy, and engagement. Here are the key elements that make a good children’s storybook on a health or...

With over 431 million active monthly users, Pinterest is one of the most popular social media networks in the world right now. It helps you to promote your education brand and grow your audience. However, due to the platform’s popularity, it is a congested area, making it difficult to gain...

Neurodivergent students bring unique perspectives and strengths to medical education. Their diversity necessitates a variety of accommodations tailored to individual needs, which may extend beyond the specific strategies discussed in this article. Ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent students not only benefits them but enriches the learning experience...

Contact allergies, also known as chemical or skin allergies, are allergic reactions that occur when the skin comes into contact with certain substances. These reactions can range from mild irritation to severe dermatitis, causing discomfort and impacting the quality of life for those affected. It is essential to understand how...

In early childhood education, the integration of medical literacy into kindergarten curriculum emerges as a transformative approach to nurturing holistic development and promoting lifelong wellness in young learners. Medical literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for individuals to understand and navigate health-related information, make informed decisions, and advocate...

In the landscape of early childhood education, the inclusion of medical literacy in kindergarten curriculum emerges as a pivotal component of fostering holistic development and wellness in young learners. Medical literacy encompasses the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. By...

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and education, the power of language cannot be understated. Language serves as a conduit for understanding, expression, and empowerment, particularly within the realm of medical literacy education. As educators seek to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate complex health information,...