We do meet in small groups to talk about paper cases. The cases talk about interactions with the patient, their history and test results, and occasionally their outcomes. We try to figure out what in the case is important, develop a list of possible diagnoses for the patient, and reevaluate as we get new information. The cases are an engine for us to figure out what basic science we need to know, and everyone gets learning issues which they prepare and present to the group during the next session. We have resource sessions, which are basically lectures where we're encouraged to ask questions, that supplement our learning in small group. I really like how Drexel does PBL, we have about 20 hours of lecture/lab per week as opposed to other PBL schools that have 5-6 hours of lecture - it's more support and fewer ridiculous requirements. Resource sessions are not mandatory, but a large contingent of us attend lecture regularly.
Small group is 3-3hr sessions first year and 2-3hr sessions second year.
PBL = Problem Based Learning
PIL is just Drexel's curriculum that uses problem based learning. IFM is the lecture-based curriculum, which is based around modules for specific problems or symptoms. IFM is around 200 people, PIL is 60-70.