Writing the fictional case studies is a complicated process that focuses on a problem-based learning. Despite the fact that the case studies positively impact a learning experience and motivate medical students to use a broad range of newly acquired skills, design and creation of fictional case studies requires numerous skills and theoretical knowledge. The current essay aims at reflecting upon the process of writing the fictional case study task. In addition, much attention will be paid to difficulties I have faced while completing this challenging task. Although I successfully coped with writing the fictional case study in the sphere of health care, I faced many challenges while completing this task. In my case study, I described Mrs. Margaret who was diagnosed with the stage four ovarian cancer after a series of medical examinations. Despite severe pain and huge family debts she was refused in her right to euthanasia due to religious viewpoints in the UAE. In order to write a case study successfully, I included complete health history of the patient, short biographical data, and chief complaints. However, I needed much time to create and analyze the data associated with attitudes toward euthanasia in the UAE. In other words, it was difficult to review both sides of the issue, including a patient’s perspective and refusal of healthcare professionals to participate in the assisted suicide. In general, the easiest part of the fictional case study includes a health status of the patient as it was not difficult to write a short paragraph that describes the patient, situation, and, finally, relevant circumstances directly linked to the given situation. The most complicated task of the assignment involves formulation of questions that would stimulate analysis and motivate to apply critical-thinking skills.

Although this task is not easy, the process of writing the fictional case study was a precious experience as every case study is a complex document that motivates students to research and compile information in order not to miss important details. As a medical student, I have learned from the assignment that case studies require application of a wide scope of skills, performing a detailed background research, and, finally, presenting data so that there is no right answer to the question presented in the case study.

Gregor Brown is the author of this article. See his another post entitled https://theplagiarism.com/articles/why-academic-writing-is-important why is academic writing important.