The Flipped Classroom Approach: A Feasible Way to Teach the Physical Exam in Spanish

Date of Review: January, 2026

This resource, from MedEd PORTAL, uses a flipped classroom approach to teach 2nd year medical students how to perform a physical exam in Spanish. Importantly, it reinforces the importance of having an interpreter present unless they have been certified as an interpreter. This workshop is incorporated into a “Ready for Major Clinical Year” curriculum which is mandatory and includes lectures on topics ranging from appropriate interpreter use to writing hospital notes. It includes 6 videos/modules that walk the student through taking vitals, performing CV, pulm, abd, HEENT, and neuro exams. There is also an educational summary report, ppt, student handout, and post session surveys available for free. Given the flipped classroom model, this should be relatively easy to incorporate into a variety of healthcare education curricula. —Andrea McKinnond, PA-C, NCEAS

Institution:

Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) at Columbia University

Where was the Curriculum Implemented:

Washington Heights/Inwood neighborhood of northern Manhattan, NY

Outcomes that Have Been Reported for the Curriculum:

Learner Satisfaction or reaction

Post Only

Level of Learner Assessment

Appreciation of content/attitude assessment (self-reflection, blogging with rubric)