Medical students from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) recently undertook a laboratory session at the Instituto de Investigación en
Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA, CONICET – Max Planck).
Their visit encompassed familiarizing themselves with the Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities and engaging in a practical application of forensic genetics utilizing the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique.
Beyond the confines of their medical curriculum, these students are undergoing specialized training to serve as instructors for the Molecular Biology and Genetics course. Mastery of PCR forms an integral component of this educational endeavor. Under the expert guidance of Sebastián Giusti, a researcher within the Molecular Neurobiology group at IBioBA, and a lecturer at the School of Cell Biology and Genetics Assistants in the First Chair of Histology, the cohort of twenty students collaborated in laboratory settings to decipher their genetic profiles.
This hands-on experience aims to supplement their theoretical understanding with practical proficiency, a dimension often overlooked in conventional university settings. As future educators, these students are tasked with imparting their knowledge to peers. According to Sebastián Giusti, firsthand exposure allows for a profound comprehension of methodology, particularly its application parameters and inherent limitations.
Moreover, such practical engagements serve as a gateway for aspiring medical professionals into biomedical research, an avenue typically underexplored by graduates of medical schools. This immersive encounter fosters a nuanced appreciation for knowledge generation within the biomedical domain, elucidating the intricate interplay between foundational sciences and their clinical manifestations. In the words of the researcher, “this experience cultivates a more discerning perspective on the genesis and application of biomedical knowledge, thereby enriching their professional outlook”.
