The Use of a 12-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) Laboratory Exercise for First Year Medical Student Learning

The normal 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) captures fundamental concepts covered in the principles of cardiac electrophysiology. First year osteopathic medical students recorded their own 12-lead ECG tracings in a laboratory session that also included completing a guided worksheet where they interpreted their 12-lead ECG results. Student feedback was solicited at the end of the course and the ECG lab exercise received positive feedback across several academic years. The data suggest that the student hands on-experience of personal ECG recording and interpretation is a positive experience that may supplement first year medical student teaching and learning of cardiac electrophysiology. This paper summarizes the approach and teaching points that can be modified to fit various curricula.