Weekly interdisciplinary colloquy on cardiology: a decade of experiment

An experimental, continuing, regularly scheduled weekly interdisciplinary colloquy on cardiology was organized a decade ago between the departments of medicine and physiology to promote vigorous interaction between basic scientists and practicing physicians in the medical school. This colloquy has had a significant impact upon the education of fellows in clinical cardiology and candidates for the Ph.D. degree in physiology. It has fostered attitudes of academic excellence, appreciation for the opportunities offered by cooperative problem-solving, the stimulation of research, and practical teaching experience. It also provides an ongoing opportunity for updating information based upon a three month, in-depth review of three to four important advances in cardiovascular medicine each year. The faculty shares in the yield of this experimental program, which provides a forum for the investigator to present his ideas and contemplated experimental protocols, his experimental data, and his tentative interpretations to a critical, broadly experienced audience. The program contributes to the development of ability to evaluate published research critically and has led to better understanding of experimental method and design.