Name
Calcium Homeostasis Loops in Medical Education
Speakers
Authors
Joseph Natalizio, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Inam Ramzan, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Janée Terwoord, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Joel Roberts, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Date & Time
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 10:00 AM - 10:14 AM
Presentation Category
Designing Holistic Programs: Growth-Oriented Assessment, Feedback, and Learner Development
Presentation Tag(s)
Student Presenter
Description
Calcium homeostasis is a fundamental topic taught in medical education. Due to variation in the scope and complexity of calcium homeostasis feedback loops across medical texts, a classification table can help medical educators in selecting a figure that aligns with their curriculum, allowing for educator optimization in improving student learning and growth. This review aims to identify textbook figures representing calcium homeostasis and create a resource to guide medical educators in selecting figures. Medical physiology textbooks reviewed were sourced from all U.S. medical schools that had their curricula available. This resulted in 22 English-language textbooks matching inclusion criteria. Of the 22, 18 had calcium homeostasis loop figures. Chapter titles were filtered by “calcium,” “Ca2+,” “renal,” “kidney,” “endocrine,” “parathyroid,” “bone,” or “endocrinology.” Then, figures were chosen from each chapter and manually identified as calcium homeostasis loops or feedback loops. As such, 49 figures were identified, six being duplicates. Currently, authors are further defining the parameters for choosing figures and additional figures may be added as a result. Two authors independently reviewed each textbook and reviewed all figures together. Each figure was assessed for inclusion of hormones, phosphate, organ systems, visuals, and concentrations. Figures were grouped into three categories. Group 1 figures do not include concentrations or phosphate and can be utilized as introductory figures to the topic. Group 2 figures include concentrations and/or amounts, targeted towards an intermediate knowledge base. Group 3 figures include complementary processes with phosphate, making them for a comprehensive review. Out of the 43 figures analyzed, nine are in Group 1, nine are Group 2, and 25 are in Group 3. This review not only guides medical educators and students, but also lays groundwork for future research regarding individualized learning and growth.