Didactic Course Descriptions

Using a regional approach that integrates the principles of basic, radiologic, and cross-sectional anatomy and embryology, students will learn the structure and function of human anatomy. Throughout the course, heavy emphasis is placed on clinical correlations-that is, clinically-relevant anatomy as it applies to patients. Embryology is incorporated throughout the course and includes the study of congenital malformations. The laboratory experience consists of high-yield laboratory demonstrations where all facets of clinical anatomy (osteology, prosection, radiologic and cross-sectional anatomy) are explored.

The first of a two-semester course, Physiology I seeks to illustrate both the cellular functions of the body, and the integration of the organ systems to achieve and maintain homeostasis. Cellular and autonomic functioning, as well as the physiology of the cardiac, neurologic and respiratory systems are investigated in the first semester.

The first of two courses, Pharmacology I introduces the general principles of drug actions and characteristics of classes of drugs; drug safety and efficiency; duration of action; potential side effects or adverse reactions; and drug interactions. It will cover drugs used in the cardiac, neurologic and respiratory systems.

The first of a 3-part series, this course is an organ-based exploration of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of illness in adults. This course specifically focuses on the conditions found in the disciplines of Rheumatology, Oral Health, Dermatology and Psychiatry.

The cultural patterns of communication affecting the clinician-patient relationship are explored in this course. Students learn effective interviewing techniques and practice these skills in bedside learning experiences.

The second of a two-semester course, Physiology II seeks to illustrate both the cellular functions of the body, and the integration of the organ systems to achieve and maintain homeostasis. The renal, acid-base, gastrointestinal, endocrine and the reproductive system, and genetics are investigated in this semester.

This course is an introduction to core public health concepts in an attempt to inform clinical practice regarding population health. The fields of preventive medicine, environmental/ occupational health, and public health policy/ advocacy will be explored. Students will gain a conceptual and practical understanding of mitigating health care barriers, health maintenance, disaster preparedness, and behavioral change communication strategies.

The method of performing a comprehensive physical examination is introduced in this course. Techniques for presenting findings in written and oral formats, utilizing the problem-oriented medical record are integrated in the curriculum. This course includes a weekly supervised small group practicum.

The second of two courses, Pharmacology II continues an exploration of the general principles of drug actions and characteristics of classes of drugs; drug safety and efficiency; duration of action; potential side effects or adverse reactions; and drug interactions. This course focuses on drugs used for diseases of the central nervous system, hematologic and inflammatory and endocrine systems, and the use of antimicrobials and chemotherapeutic agents.

The second of a 3-part series, this course is an organ-based exploration of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of illness in adults. This course specifically focuses on the conditions found in the disciplines of Cardiology, Pulmonology, Endocrinology, Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology, and Nutrition.

This course will provide the physician assistant student with an introduction and foundation in the history of the PA profession by exploring milestones in the history, development, responsibilities of clinical practice, roles as healthcare providers, patient advocacy, organizations, eligibility and maintenance requirements of the Physician Assistant profession. Also included is an exploration of the continuing health care workforce shortage, quality of care, subspecialty development, and economic issues. Medical ethics are explored in the context of contemporary medical scenarios.

This course is a case-based presentation of the diagnosis and treatment of common symptoms. Students develop patient databases and differential diagnoses, as well as complete treatment and long-term management plans for a variety of medical problems. The synthesis of material previously learned in a case-based format refines skills in critical thinking, medical problem-solving, the written and the oral presentation of clinical cases.

A patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to the communication skills needed to build a culturally sensitive patient-provider relationship is stressed in this course. Counseling skills needed to address substance abuse, sexual issues and breaking bad news are addressed as well as the skills needed to address the angry, grieving or fearful patient.

The last of a 3-part series, this course is an organ-based exploration of the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management of illness in adults. This course specifically focuses on the conditions of Neurology, Nephrology, Hematology & Oncology, Laboratory Methods, and Radiology.

This course explores the subspecialty medicine disciplines of pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, emergency medicine, surgery, and geriatrics. The diagnosis and treatment of disease states found in these sub-disciplines will be described, and each will be contrasted to basic concepts learned in the three-part Clinical Medicine course. The influence of environment, culture, and social differences will also be essential to the discussion, aligning the associations and their clinical implications in various diseases.

Technical procedures frequently encountered in primary care, emergency medicine, and surgical settings are taught and practiced in this course. Procedures such as intravenous cannulization, suturing, urethral catheterization, splinting and casting and nasogastric lavage are demonstrated, in addition to the interpretation of laboratory tests, electrocardiograms, and radiographs.

Knowledge of and practice using basic Spanish vocabulary, grammar and simple phrases commonly used in medical situations is covered in this course.

The fundamental skills necessary to evaluate core aspects of population health using epidemiological metrics are examined in this course. A review of relevant terminology, basic measurements, biostatistics, study designs, evaluating & critiquing peer-reviewed research, and the theoretical application of epidemiological study designs and methods, as they relate to causality and disease prevention will be explored.

This course will develop the student’s ability to identify a clinical problem and to collect, process, analyze, summarize and present an evidence-based approach solution to that problem. The topic can be a medical challenge in terms of diagnosis or treatment of a disease state, or management issues for patients or their family’s issues of which there is lack of consensus or a lack of clear guidelines. Students will complete a literature review, perform a meta-analysis of data and reach a conclusion. Students will write a scientific paper and then present to a panel of faculty reviewers.

This course introduces students to the basic principles of the law as it relates to healthcare and malpractice. The economic principles relating to coding and reimbursement, as well as the measures of patient safety and quality assurance are examined.