Cardiovascular Inquiry Seminar Series

The Cardiovascular Inquiry Seminar Series (CISS) is a curriculum designed by the faculty and students of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Launching in 2012, the CISS targets the junior class of the Cleveland School of Science and Medicine (CSSM) with a four part lecture series. Three of the lectures are given by CWRU medical students while the keystone lecture is presented by a member of CWRU School of Medicine's faculty. Once students have acquired a foundational understanding of the human cardiovascular system, they are then challenged with a case study of a patient afflicted with a related ailment. Fashioned from the premier curriculum at CWRU School of Medicine, the high school students are led by medical students through the case study in student-centered, small groups. Students also participate in a Physical Diagnosis Seminar hosted on a Saturday by the CWRU undergraduate Joan C. Edwards Scholars. This seminar features a tutorial from Dr. Robinson and Dr. Haynie on techniques in ophthalmology and cardiology that indicate cardiovascular health. The first three weeks of the CISS concludes with the high school students taking an exam to represent the knowledge they have gained from the two week unit on cardiovascular health. 

Compiling the participation and achievement of each CSSM student during the initial three weeks of the CISS, the top 15 students are chosen to participate in a more in-depth experience, Immersion, where they can utilize their new knowledge of the cardiovascular system. During the CISS Immersion, the high school students are paired with a first year CWRU medical student and spend two days attending classes and anatomy sessions with their mentors. The Immersion also includes a patient interview lead by Dr. Haynie. Through these experiences, the high school students get a first-hand view of a day in the life of a medical student. The mission of the CISS programming is to broaden the exposure of the high school students to the process of becoming a doctor and to the reality of being involved in patient care. Ultimately the 15 CSSM students are invited back to CWRU School of Medicine for an Edwards Scholar Dinner which includes the announcement of the current year's Joan C. Edwards Scholarship recipient and information on how to become a future Edwards Scholar.

Before applying, please review the calendar of events below to be sure that you can attend each session.  All sessions will be held IN PERSON at CWRU's Health Education Campus located at 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106 which is in walking distance of CSSM. Attendance at all events is mandatory. It is expected that participants arrive on time, have cameras and audio on and actively participate in sessions. If you have questions please contact the program manager at robbinsbridge@case.edu

To apply for the CISS 2024 Cohort visit this link. 

The deadline to apply is January 26th, 2024.