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The first phase of the program, commonly referred to as the didactic core, consists of three continuous academic semesters. Begining in August of the first year, the Didactic Phase takes students through the first calendar year with completion the following August. This portion of the curriculum utilizes classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings that provide a thorough theoretical and practical background in the basic health sciences and in clinical medicine.

 

BASIC HEALTH SCIENCES

500. Anatomy (with lab) – Fall. Credit, four hours. An organ systems approach to the introduction of gross anatomy using both lecture and lab format including the use of illustrations, models, radiology films and prosected human specimens.  The focus will be on the relationship between anatomical concepts and practical application to clinical practice.

501. Foundations in Medical Science I – Fall. Credit, three hours. An introduction of the basic principles of biochemistry, clinical nutrition and pharmacology taught in a modular format.  The biochemistry module provides an overview on the fundamental building blocks of life, metabolic pathways essential for living organisms and genetic reproduction as they relate to health and disease.  The nutrition module covers the basic science of human nutrition and relates the biochemical and physiological aspects of nutrition in health and disease.  The pharmacology module covers basic principles of drug action, drug disposition, and drug toxicity, providing the foundation for the Pharmacotherapeutics course taught Spring semester

502 Physiology – Fall. Credit, three hours.
A systems approach to normal function of the human body including relevant information on anatomy. Lectures and assigned readings take the student from cell physiology through the physiology of various organ systems. Focus is on how each contributes to the normal functioning of the body as a whole. The course develops a strong foundation for the study of pathophysiology and disease states

503. Foundation of Medical Science II – Spring. Credit, three hours. Concepts in Medical Genetics, Immunology and Clinical Microbiology are presented in 3 separate modules.  The Medical Genetics module provides a foundation for understanding the role of genes and chromosomes in basic patterns of inheritance, genetic factors in disease, screening and testing for genetic abnormalities and ethical and legal considerations.  The Medical Microbiology module covers pathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses and animal parasites in relation to human disease with an emphasis on pathogenesis, mechanisms of virulence, epidemiology, therapy and prevention.  The Immunology module introduces basic principles of human immunity, response of the body to injury and common immunologic disorders.

504. Pharmacotherapeutics – Spring. Credit, three hours.  Drug categories and specific drugs used in the treatment of common diseases are presented using an organ systems approach to therapeutic management.    Indications, contraindications, drug-drug interactions, appropriate drug dosing and monitoring are covered.  Additionally, pharmacologic management of pregnant/lactating females, pediatric and elderly patients are included. 

 

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT CLINICAL COURSES

510. Introduction to Clinical Medicine – Fall. Credit, seven hours.  The first of three didactic clinical medicine courses which focuses on developing physical examination skills.  Didactic lectures on exam techniques and interpretation of physical exam findings are given.  An introduction to clinical reasoning, medical informatics and problem oriented patient evaluation is included.  Physical exam skills labs, patient simulations, and patient work-ups as well as small group discussions provide opportunities to develop clinical skills essential to patient evaluation and management.

511a. Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine I – Spring. Credit, eight hours. An organ-system approach to disease, emphasizing the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic and therapeutic management of common disorders. Primary-care medicine is emphasized along with the development of clinical problem-solving skills. Students also learn bedside clinical procedures through special labs. Students continue to develop patient interview and physical exam skills by evaluating patients in a clinical setting under the supervision of an assigned mentor, to include proper documentation in the medical record, and oral presentation of the patient case.

511b. Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine II – Summer. Credit, eight hours. Continuation of 511a. Pediatrics, Women’s Health, and Geriatric lecture series are included. Further development of clinical procedure skills in emergency and surgical settings are provided.

 

512a. Behavioral Medicine - Fall. Credit, three hours. The first of three consecutive courses in Behavioral Medicine.  This course focuses on developing effective communication skills with patients and other health care providers.  An emphasis on historical data collection using patient simulations and clinical experiences is included.  Basic principles of human behavior are introduced this semester as well.

512b. Behavioral Medicine - Spring. Credit, three hours. The biologic basis for human behavior, the life cycle and normal psychological development, learning disabilities, topics in human sexuality, cultural issues, and intimate partner violence are included in this introductory course.  Patient intervention skills including the psychological assessment, patient education and behavioral modification techniques are also covered.

512c. Behavioral Medicine - Summer. Credit, one hour.  Substance abuse and addictive behaviors are covered.  Topics in psychopathology including depression, anxiety, psychosis, obesity and other eating disorders, personality disorders, and psychiatric emergencies with an emphasis on clinical diagnosis and management are also presented. 

513. Emergency Medical Problems and Management – Summer. Credit, four hours. Introduction to diagnosis and management of acute trauma, including thoracic injuries, fractures, facial injury, hemorrhagic shock, and head and neck injuries.   Incorporation of basic and advanced cardiac life support (BCLS & ACLS) including sudden death, chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, dysrhythmia, cardiopulmonary pharmacology, and airway management. Emergency presentation and evaluation of acute respiratory failure, the acute abdomen, burns, poisoning, altered mental status, near drowning, anaphylaxis, hypertensive crisis,  and acute ear, nose, and throat problems are some of the topics covered.

514. Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostic Methods – Spring. Credit, three hours. Three-part course covering radiology, clinical laboratory tests, and electrocardiography (ECG). Includes basic principles of radiology (indications for, contraindications of, materials used, information obtained and complications), pathology, and the correlation between disease process and interpretation of clinical laboratory diagnostic tests. Includes demonstration and practice of various laboratory methods including ECG theory and interpretation.

520a. Issues in Health – Summer. Credit, two hours. Discussion of topics of interest facing health care practitioners. Emphasis on public health, health policy, medical/legal issues, and PA professional issues.

 

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