Rough draft.This research track is under review with Dr. Atit's lab. Content and sequence may still change.
Here's an example of what's due today

The Short List: Ruling Out the Big Cleft Syndromes

Disease domain · Lesson 4 of 20 · Shared clinical backbone (the cleft team)

Today's goal: Students will match each of four high-stakes cleft syndromes (Van der Woude, 22q11.2 deletion, Stickler, Pierre Robin sequence) to its defining red flag and apply the checklist to Mateo to show none of the red flags are present.

Learn first

What a finished product looks like

This is a model of the work you should turn in. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your wording should be your own.

Four-syndrome differential note
Completes: A red-flag checklist run against the patient's findings with a held-open bottom line.

Differential note (red flag -> Mateo):

  • Van der Woude: red flag = bilateral lower-lip pits -> ABSENT (no pits; family history unrevealing).
  • 22q11.2 deletion: red flag = heart defect + low calcium + immune/thymus problem -> ABSENT (heart, calcium, immune screen normal).
  • Stickler: red flag = high myopia + hearing loss -> ABSENT (no eye or ear findings on newborn exam).
  • Pierre Robin sequence: red flag = micrognathia + glossoptosis + airway obstruction -> ABSENT (normal jaw, forward tongue, quiet breathing).

Bottom line so far: all four red flags absent; cleft is complete unilateral left CLP, no other anomalies. Still to confirm: an eyeball checklist cannot exclude an invisible 22q11.2 microdeletion or subtle features, so a structured exam and possible test remain.

Also due today: Flag that 'absent red flags' is not the same as 'proven isolated'; the case is not closed.

Learn first

How this was built, step by step

The finished product above did not appear all at once. Here is the path from the question to the turned-in work, so you can follow the same steps.

  1. 1Start from today's question: Which specific syndromes must we rule out for Mateo, and what is the one red flag that flags each?
  2. 2Work the Model and the Explore questions to reason it out before writing anything.
  3. 3Pull the specific evidence the product needs from the reading and any database you used.
  4. 4Write it up in the required format: Write Mateo's differential note: for each of the four syndromes, state the red flag and write 'present' or 'absent' with the supporting finding, then give a one-line bottom line plus a sentence on what still needs confirming.
  5. 5Check it against the rubric, then submit.
How this is graded (rubric)
For: Write Mateo's differential note: for each of the four syndromes, state the red flag and write 'present' or 'absent' with the supporting finding, then give a one-line bottom line plus a sentence on what still needs confirming.
CriterionProficientDevelopingBeginning
CompleteEvery required part of the artifact is present and filled in.Most parts are present, but one is missing or left blank.Several parts are missing.
AccurateThe science and data are correct and match the evidence.Mostly correct, with a small factual slip.Key science or data is wrong.
Scientific reasoning (CER)States a claim, backs it with specific evidence, and explains the reasoning.Has a claim and evidence, but the reasoning is thin or missing.Gives an answer with no evidence or reasoning.
Professional communicationClear, organized, and labeled the way a clinician or scientist would write it.Readable but disorganized or missing labels.Hard to follow.
SubmittedTurned in the right way (Schoology for routine work) and confirmed.Turned in, but in the wrong place or unconfirmed.Not turned in.
How the model answer scores against this rubric
  • CompleteProficient: Nothing is left blank: the model fills every part of "Write Mateo's differential note: for each of the four syndromes, state the red flag and write 'present' or 'absent' with the supporting finding, then give a one-line bottom line plus a sentence on what still needs confirming.".
  • AccurateProficient: Every number and claim matches the case evidence.
  • Scientific reasoning (CER)Proficient: It names a claim, cites the specific evidence, and explains the reasoning, not just the answer.
  • Professional communicationProficient: It is organized and labeled like a real chart note.
  • SubmittedProficient: It would be turned in on Schoology and confirmed.
Check yourself

WebXam problem for today's skill

One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.

WebXam-style domain: Diagnosis and differential diagnosisSelf-check skill: Matching a cleft syndrome to its defining red flag
A geneticist is ruling out high-yield cleft syndromes. Which red flag is most specific for Van der Woude syndrome, the most common syndromic cleft?

Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.