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PAS-510 Human Anatomy
The human anatomy course will provide students with a thorough understanding of functional and applied human anatomy. Lectures, anatomic models, and cadaver dissection will be utilized in teaching this course. [7]
PAS-511 Human Physiology
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human physiologic function, regulation, and integration as a basis for understanding the complex interaction of specific body systems and their relationship to disease. [6]
PAS-512 History & Physical Examination I [2], PAS 522 History & Physical Examination II [3]
This 2-part course will prepare students to conduct effective medical interviews, use appropriate formatting to document and clinical information, perform comprehensive physical examinations, and interpret examination findings. In PAS 512, students will learn and practice interviewing techniques and interpersonal communication skills that result in effective exchange of information with patients, their families, and other health care providers. Instruction on the components of the health history (chief complaint, present illness, past history, family history, personal and social history, review of symptoms) is provided. PAS 522 will cover the performance and interpretation of the physical examination including the general survey of the patient, vital signs, skin, head and neck exam, thorax and lungs, cardiovascular and peripheral vascular systems, breasts and axillae, abdomen, genitalia and rectal exams, musculoskeletal system, and the mental status and nervous system exams. Special considerations for assessing infants and children and the obstetrical patient will also be covered. [2 and 3 credits]
PAS-513 PA Professional Issues
This course will explore key subjects important to PA function in clinical practice. Topics include the history and development of the PA profession, the physician-PA relationship, PA scope of practice and professional regulations, licensure, certification/recertification, PA program accreditation, and PA professional organizations. The course will also cover legal issues in health care related to PA practice, including the Healthcare Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), professional liability, laws and regulations regarding prescriptive practices, reimbursement, coding and billing, quality assurance, and risk management. [1]
PAS-514 Diagnostic Methods I, PAS 534 Diagnostic Methods II
A 2-part course discusses the essentials of ordering, interpreting, and performing clinical studies used in the screening, diagnosis, management, and monitoring of human disease. PAS 514 will cover topics related to clinical laboratory studies (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, molecular diagnostic techniques, histology, cytology, skin testing, sputum, and pleural fluid examination), blood gases. PAS 534 will discuss basic radiography and advanced imaging (CT, MRI, PET/CT) techniques, the electrocardiogram, pulmonary function and stress testing, sonography, endoscopy techniques, and sleep laboratory. Using diagnostic testing in disease assessment and management including generation of the differential diagnosis is included throughout both courses. [2 credits per course]
PAS-521 Clinical Medicine I, PAS 531 - Clinical Medicine II, PAS-541 Clinical Medicine III This three-series course covers the essential principles of disease diagnosis and management for the major problems seen by PAs in clinical practice. Using an organ systems approach, lectures and case analysis will discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of disease. Lectures on patient assessment and management considerations will include the generation of a differential diagnosis, the role of pharmacotherapeutic and adjuvant therapies, and appropriate patient referral issues. I nstruction in important aspects of patient care will include considerations of prevention and long-term and rehabilitative care issues. Case studies will be used to teach problem solving and clinical decision-making using an evidence-based practice approach.
Clinical topics will include: neurologic disease; cardiovascular disease; pulmonary and critical care medicine; gastrointestinal disease; diseases of the hepatobiliary system; renal disease; genito-urinary disorders; hematological disease; oncologic disease; immunological disorders; metabolic disease; endocrine disease; rheumatology and diseases of bone and bone mineral metabolism; musculoskeletal and connective tissue disease; and dermatologic disease. An introduction to molecular medicine and the genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease will be discussed as well. Disorders related to specific populations such as the aging patient and women's health will be discussed and a systematic presentation of behavioral medicine and psychiatry to include the normal psychological development of across the lifespan is provided. Health promotion and disease prevention, diet and nutrition, detection and treatment of substance abuse will also be discussed. [5 credits per course] PAS-530 Microbiology and Infectious Disease
This course will provide a review of the general biology of infectious agents and the basic concepts and principles of immunology, including medically important microorganisms and their relationship to disease. Identification of selected groups of pathogens, epidemiology, mechanisms causing disease and the biological basis for resistance will be covered. Identification, classification, cellular structure, pathogenic mechanisms, genetics, epidemiology, serology, and prevention and treatment of disease will be described. [2]
PAS-533 Clinical Diagnostic Reasoning
This course will introduce students to critical thinking skills essential to patient care and evaluation. Evidence-based practice will be introduced and techniques for identifying the best evidence for clinical decision-making will be explored. Using case study analysis, c linical reasoning and decision making in medical practice, patient assessment, management, care plan development, and health promotion and counseling as part of patient management will be discussed. Techniques for correct oral presentation of patient data to a supervising physician will also be covered. [2]
PAS-535 Pediatrics
Care of infants and children as seen in the primary care, acute care and emergency care setting will be discussed. A chronological approach is used to address preventive health care services, and the assessment and management of acute and chronic health problems found in infants, children and adolescents. Instruction is provided in the stages of normal psycho-social, physical, and sexual development in children and adolescents. [3]
PAS-542 Fundamentals of Surgery
An introduction to surgical concepts needed for the physician assistant to provide care and assist the surgeon in major surgical areas, such as a day surgery unit or a hospital operating room. Lectures will discuss indications for surgery, and surgical concepts and techniques such as asepsis, anesthesia (general, local, and conscious sedation), and wound management. Specific surgical techniques used for day surgery, elective surgery, emergency surgery, abdominal and thoracic surgery, minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgery, microsurgery, and organ transplant surgery will be described. Pre- and post operative patient assessment and management will be discussed . A lab component to the course will cover basic procedural skills required for clinical practice, such as aseptic technique, phlebotomy technique, IV placement, injection techniques, basic suturing skills, intubation and airway management, sterile gowning and gloving, and insertion of nasogastric and foley tubes are taught as a subcomponent of this course. BLS and ACLS skills and certification will be obtained as a part of this course as well. [3]
PAS-543 Psychosocial Medicine
Psychosocial Medicine will explore the psychosocial aspects of patient care. Instruction will be provided in basic counseling and patient education skills necessary to help patients and families cope with illness and injury, adhere to prescribed treatment plans and modify their behaviors to more healthful patterns. Discussions will also include issues of culture and sexuality and the impact these forces have on attitudes towards health, patient counseling, and health policy. The course will also cover issues of domestic violence and establishing systems to identify and support victims of domestic violence.[1]
PAS-545 Emergency Medicine
This 3-credit course will provide students with an introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of disease states and conditions encountered in an emergency and urgent care settings. Lectures will discuss the role of triage, assessment, and the management of commonly encountered medical, surgical, environmental, and psychiatric emergencies as they present in the adult and pediatric populations. Students will also practice patient interview, physical examination, and management skills through objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scenarios. [3]
PAS-580 Master's Research Project
Building on concepts taught in CHS 503 – Research and Statistical Methods, and on the evidence based evaluation and application skills developed during the academic year of the program, students will work with a faculty advisor to develop a clinical research question and then gather, analyze, and critique relevant research literature related to the proposed question. The student will then prepare a master's length thesis paper that synthesizes the research literature to derive a clinically appropriate recommendation to the proposed clinical question. Finally, students will defend their project in an oral presentation to the faculty, and submit to a peer forum for publication. Acceptable arenas for peer presentations will be to the University faculty, the PA Student Writing Competition, or other institutionally recognized research forum or conference. [2]
PAS-581 Family Medicine
During this experience in family medicine, students see patients, perform assessments and formulate care plans under the supervision of a physician, PA or advanced practice nurse. Comprehensive, longitudinal care is stressed. Common problems are reviewed and the responsibilities of a primary care physician assistant are observed and taught. Principles of health, wellness, prevention, recognition and treatment of substance abuse, and chronic disease management and chronic care are introduced in the clinical setting. Patient assessment and management are reviewed to include the generation of a differential diagnosis, and oral presentation of patient data to the supervising physician and appropriate referral of patients. [4]
PAS-582 Internal Medicine
This clinical practice is designed to introduce students to the practice of internal medicine. Through participating directly in patient care, students have the opportunity to evaluate and manage a variety of patients and their problems. Students further develop their skills in history taking and physical examination and review pathophysiologic principles as a guide to caring for patients. Students will develop an understanding of relationships between disease states and the patient from the medical, social and emotional points of view. The team approach allows students the opportunity to actively work toward the goals of quality patient care while reinforcing medical principles. Patient assessment and management are reviewed to include the generation of a differential diagnosis, oral presentation of patient data to the supervising physician and appropriate referral of patients. [8]
PAS-583 General Surgery
The principles of preoperative and postoperative care, diagnosis of surgical disease, indications for surgery, recognition and response to surgical emergencies, and the physiological principles of surgery are presented. Technical experience is provided in the operating rooms. Lectures and conferences provide additional direct contact with medical school faculty. [8]
PAS-584 Women's Health
The student will learn routine obstetrics, gynecologic health maintenance and patient education. Identification and management of high-risk pregnancy, infertility, gynecologic oncology, family planning, psychosomatic disorders and normal psychological changes in obstetrics and gynecology as well as gynecologic surgery will be introduced. [4]
PAS-585 Pediatrics
Principles and practice of care of the patient from birth through adolescence are studied by providing direct patient care. Students will learn basic pediatric assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Clinical facilities of both inpatient and outpatient services of Rush University Medical Center and private physicians' offices are utilized. Seminars, conferences, lectures, and case presentations provide additional learning experiences. Student assignments include rotations in inpatient and ambulatory settings, and the nursery. Pediatric patient assessment and management are reviewed to include the generation of a differential diagnosis, oral presentation of patient data to the supervising physician and appropriate referral of patients. [8]
PAS-586 Behavioral Health
Provides exposure to major psychiatric disorders focusing on diagnosis and management. Emphasis on aspects of psychiatry relevant to primary practitioner with a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing significant biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors contributing to the patient's illness. [4]
PAS-587 Long Term Care/Geriatrics
Supervised clinical practice experience is provided in long term care, with a focus on rehabilitative medicine and the care of patients with chronic disease. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation of patients with physical, psychological and social disabilities is introduced. [4]
PAS-588 Emergency Medicine
Students will see patients in all areas of the emergency department under supervision of attending physicians, PAs or advanced practice nurses. Students will perform histories and physical examinations, record their findings and discuss patients with attending physicians. Students will formulate diagnostic plans, bearing in mind the inherent time and cost factors. Patient assessment and management are reviewed to include the generation of a differential diagnosis, oral presentation of patient data to the supervising physician and appropriate referral of patients. [4]
PAS-589 Elective Rotation
Elective rotations may include: general surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, neurologic surgery, surgical oncology, otolaryngology, cardiology, and pulmonary/critical care medicine. Students may request other elective rotations, but these must be approved by the program director. These six-week rotations will provide a more in-depth study of clinical specialization areas that the may wish to pursue during Phase III of the program. [4]
PAS-590 Advanced Clinical Practice I, PAS-591 Advanced Clinical Practice II and PAS-592 Advanced Clinical Practice III
This three-course sequence consists of nine months of rotations in a single focused area of advanced clinical practice. Students will select an area of clinical focus, in one of the following areas of practice: orthopedics, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and pulmonary and critical care medicine. The advanced training rotations will generally require a minimum of 40 contact hours per week, and night call will generally be required.
For the orthopedic advanced rotation, students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the care and treatment of patients with musculoskeletal problems. Students will work with individual attending physicians and PAs in various areas of orthopedic practice, such as Joint Reconstructive Service, Foot-Ankle-Hand Service, Sports Medicine Service, Pediatric and Tumor Service, or the Spine Service. Students will work in an office clinic setting, assist in surgery, and round on inpatients. Students are required to attend various clinical and resident education conferences. All students meet weekly with the course director for a student-only education conference. Educational goals include review of functional anatomy, understanding of injury triage, and concepts of treatment.
For the surgical advanced rotations, students will review the principles of preoperative and postoperative care, diagnosis of surgical disease, indications for surgery, recognition and response to surgical emergencies, and the physiological principles of surgery. Students may choose general, thoracic, cardiac/cardiovascular, oncology, or vascular surgery for advanced rotations.
For the emergency department advanced rotation, students will practice, under the supervision of a staff member, the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of patients suffering from both minor and major emergency problems.
For the internal medicine advanced rotations, students will have an opportunity to concentrate on general practice skills to provide effective healthcare to adults. Emphasis is placed on providing comprehensive maintenance as well as acute and chronic care healthcare across the adult life span.
For the pulmonary medicine and critical care advanced rotations, students will be exposed to the diagnosis and management of patients with a wide variety of pulmonary disorders. The essentials of pulmonary physiology, the use and interpretation of pulmonary function testing, and the provision of mechanical ventilatory support are emphasized. Critical care rotations will be included. [10 credits per course; 30 total]
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