Area medical schools use 'Jeopardy' as learning tool

PHILADELPHIA - December 7, 2013

Every weeknight, 6abc viewers follow along in this long-running battle of wits.

At Jefferson University, there's no fancy set, and instead of Alex Trebek, there's Dr. Bernie Lopez, a professor.

The topics aren't pop culture and can seem dry, very technical to the layperson. However medical school Jeopardy is as competitive as the TV version.

"Leiloni has broken her buzzer twice," said Dr. Carol Frieze, Jefferson University resident.

The contestants are residents in emergency medicine and all of the questions come from their reading assignments or emails from professors.

"It forces us to read and actually learn the information," said Dr. Craig Wanner, Jefferson University resident.

"I make them look for little small trivia, which makes them read very, very carefully," said Dr. Lopez.

Instructors say medical training is more intense than ever, with rapidly changing information and technology.

However Jeopardy reaches them in a more natural way than lectures alone.

"We're dealing with an entire generation of new residents that have grown up with gaming as a way to learn," said Dr. Ronald Hall.

The fast pace is great preparation for the emergency room.

"Sometimes we have less time to come up with answers on the job," said Dr. Stuart Greene, Jefferson University resident.

Unlike the TV version of Jeopardy, there are no big cash prizes, but there is a trophy.

There are also regional and national tournaments. So far, local schools have done well - Einstein's team is the reigning national champion.

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