Mnemonics have been a useful learning tool since the time of ancient Greeks. Mnemonics have been particularly helpful in the practice of medicine where prompt recall by physicians is needed to diagnose and treat illnesses. Mnemonics are useful not only in medicine, but in a whole host of disciplines. This session will explore the history of mnemonics, the learning theory behind them, and the proper construction of mnemonics (Hint: Scrabble tiles are helpful).
Dr. James B. Lewis, Jr., serves as Associate Chief of Staff for Education at the VA Medical Center in Memphis. He is also Professor of Medicine at the University of Tennessee. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He teaches medical students and residents on a nearly daily basis. He has won a number of teaching awards in part because of the use of memorable mnemonics. His special interests are medical education, multiple choice question composition, physical diagnosis, and medical mnemonics.
