PHAS 500. Human Anatomy for Physician Assistants. (6 Credits)

Human Anatomy for Physician Assistants is an integrated approach to the gross anatomy of the human body, including study of the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, urinary, digestive, endocrine, lymphatic, and reproductive systems. The laboratory portion of the course consists of supervised dissection of human cadavers.

PHAS 501. Physician Assistant Seminar I. (1 Credit)

PA Seminar I provides an overview and introduction into the Physician Assistant profession. Seminar I provides fundamental knowledge of the history of the Physician Assistant career, information regarding certification and maintenance of the certification, improving quality of work, medical ethics, and cultural sensitivity. This course also discusses PA laws and advocacy of the profession, professionalism, and various settings in which health care is delivered. This course also provides students with introduction to SOAP note writing and insurance terminology.

PHAS 502. Physician Assistant Seminar II. (2 Credits)

This course expands upon the knowledge and skills started in PA Seminar I related to the role of the physician assistant. In particular this course will explore Cases and Clinical Decision Making, Rx writing, documentation, Professionalism, Nutrition, Team STEPPS and IPE, patient provider considerations.

PHAS 503. Physician Assistant Seminar III. (2 Credits)

This Seminar has a major portion conducted as an IPE collaborative course with PH P3 students. It provides concepts and topics related to quality and patient safety principles in error reporting systems and disclosure, principles of human error and human factors engineering, and the ability to apply QI initiatives within a health system. Thus, a key purpose of this course is to introduce students to key concepts related to performance and quality related processes, and to develop the foundational skills necessary for the management of operational and safety initiatives in a health system as part of a healthcare team approach. This course will build upon the knowledge obtained and the concepts addressed in the respective core curriculum of the health care practitioner. Additional PA topics important within the profession are scheduled for PA students only.

PHAS 504. Physical Assessment I. (2 Credits)

This course is the first in a two-part series designed to help students develop and apply basic skills and techniques necessary to perform physical examination and evaluation. Topics covered include patient interviewing, history taking, developing a differential diagnosis, and physical exam techniques by organ system. Students will apply a variety of basic physical exam techniques and concepts to clinical diagnosis and topics taught in the Clinical Medicine course. Students will complete OSCEs throughout the semester to demonstrate competency in history and physical exam skills. This is a mixed lecture/laboratory course.

PHAS 505. Physical Assessment II. (2 Credits)

This course is second in a two-part series designed to help students develop and apply basic skills and techniques necessary to perform physical examination and evaluation. Topics covered include patient interviewing, history taking, developing a differential diagnosis, and physical exam techniques by organ system. Students will apply a variety of basic physical exam techniques and concepts to clinical diagnosis and topics taught in the Clinical Medicine course. Students will complete OSCEs throughout the semester to demonstrate competency in history and physical exam skills. This is a mixed lecture/laboratory course.

PHAS 506. Clinical Skills I. (1 Credit)

Clinical Skills I is part one in a three-course series of laboratory courses that focus on development of the skills relevant to procedures performed in clinical practice. The course will further contribute to the development of clinical reasoning related to case scenarios. This course is taught using flipped classroom model.

PHAS 507. Clinical Skills II. (1 Credit)

Clinical Skills II is part two in a three-course series of laboratory courses that focus on development of the skills relevant to procedures performed in clinical practice. The course will further contribute to the development of clinical reasoning related to case scenarios. This course is taught using flipped classroom model.

PHAS 508. Clinical Skills III. (1 Credit)

Clinical Skills III is part three in a three-course series of laboratory courses that focus on development of the skills relevant to procedures performed in clinical practice. The course will further contribute to the development of clinical reasoning related to case scenarios. This course is taught using flipped classroom model.

PHAS 515. Molecular Mechanisms. (3 Credits)

Molecular mechanisms for PAs provides the student with foundational material for biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, microbiology, and human genetics in what should be a review, though a necessary one, for all of the content that will come after in your PHAS coursework. Both basic and applied information will be presented to enable the student to understand the biochemical workings of the normal human body (both anabolic and catabolic reactions), the molecular mechanisms which control those processes, the physiology that combines structure and function of the human body, the genetics that influences all aspects of protein function in the development of the human and ongoing processes within the human body. In addition, a review of the pathogenesis of the major infectious diseases (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) and the pharmacological agents used to combat them will be presented.

PHAS 520. Neuroanatomy. (2 Credits)

This course covers basic principles of the human nervous system structure and function. Both the central and peripheral portions of the nervous system will be addressed. The laboratory focuses on examination of the human brain and spinal cord. Patient case examples and evidence from the neuroscience literature will be utilized to foster clinical decision-making skills related to common diseases and disorders of the nervous system.

PHAS 525. Clinical Medicine I. (6 Credits)

Clinical Medicine I is the first of a two-course sequence addressing the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, and the prevention and treatment of diseases using a systems-based approach. Systems covered in this course include dermatology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, rheumatology, musculoskeletal, endocrinology, and neurology. Assignments and case studies will be used extensively to develop clinical problem-solving skills. Assessment will include case based assignments, prescription writing, oral presentations, and multiple choice exams.

PHAS 526. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I. (5 Credits)

This lecture course is taught concurrently with Clinical Medicine I and covers the basic physiology, related pathophysiology, and pharmacology principles and therapeutics relevant to systems and diseases covered in Clinical Medicine I. The primary systems covered in this course include Mechanisms of Inflammatory and Malignant pathologies, Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Reproductive Health, and Neurology.

PHAS 527. Medical Diagnostics I. (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction to medical imaging, laboratory testing, and interpretation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical Diagnostics I is taught concurrently with Clinical Medicine I and Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I, and focuses on diagnostics relevant to diseases and conditions covered throughout the curriculum. The course is taught using lecture and laboratory.

PHAS 530. Clinical Medicine II. (6 Credits)

Clinical Medicine II is the second in a two-course sequence addressing the pathophysiology, epidemiology, signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, and the prevention and treatment of diseases using a systems-based approach. Systems covered in this course include cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, nephrology and urology, hematology, oncology, geriatrics, and infectious disease. During class, case examples and/or case studies will be used regularly. Assignments and case studies will be used extensively to develop clinical problem-solving skills. Assessment will include case-based assignments, prescription writing, oral presentations, and multiple-choice exams.

PHAS 531. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II. (5 Credits)

This lecture course is taught concurrently with Clinical Medicine II and covers the basic physiology, related pathophysiology, and pharmacology principles and therapeutics relevant to systems and diseases covered in Clinical Medicine II. The primary systems covered in this course include Hematology / Pulmonary / Cardiovascular / Renal / Gastrointestinal.

PHAS 532. Medical Diagnostics II. (3 Credits)

This course builds upon content taught in Medical Diagnostics I and addresses the use of medical imaging, ECG, and laboratory testing for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Medical Diagnostics II is taught concurrently with Clinical Medicine II and Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II, and focuses on diagnostics relevant to diseases covered in these courses. The course is taught using lecture and integrated case studies.

PHAS 535. Evidence Based Medicine. (1 Credit)

This course addresses the use of research and evidence to inform clinical practice in medicine. Students will learn the core principles of biostatistics, learn to use medical databases to access literature relevant for clinical decision-making, and will analyze literature related to disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The class will emphasize the responsibility of physician assistants to utilize EBM both at point of care with patients, but also their responsibility to stay current in the medical literature.

PHAS 540. Public Health and Epidemiology. (2 Credits)

This course introduces relevant aspects of public health and epidemiology including individual and population-based preventive medicine, health promotion, and community-based practice. It is taught in Summer 1, and is a foundation for Clinical topics in the Fall and Spring semesters. The course is taught using lecture, case studies, and small group discussions.

PHAS 545. Emergency Medicine. (4 Credits)

This course is an overview of common disease states and their acute presentations as encountered in the Emergency Department (ED). With the exception of ACLS, toxicology and a few other topics, much of the material will have been introduced to the students already in previous courses, in particular Clinical Medicine and Surgery. EM 545 will build on this knowledge, as well as focus on the EM approach to these medical conditions. Please see the course lecture schedule for the complete list of topics.

PHAS 550. Pediatrics. (3 Credits)

Pediatrics is an introduction to pediatric diseases and disorders commonly encountered in primary care and includes well-child care and preventive pediatric medicine. Students will be introduced to the unique developmental, anatomic, and physiologic aspects of the infant through adolescence. Students will have opportunity to develop clinical skills relevant to pediatric clinical practice. This is a mixed lecture/laboratory course.

PHAS 560. Surgical Medicine. (3 Credits)

Surgical Medicine addresses the role of the physician assistant in surgery, commonly performed surgical procedures/skills and the evaluation and management of the surgical patient. Topics covered include principles of pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative care, common surgical procedures, sterile technique, and common surgical complications. This is a mixed lecture/laboratory course. It is important for you to understand that you will NOT leave this class knowing how to perform surgeries, but that you recognize surgical conditions and know the basic surgical interventions for conditions.

PHAS 570. Behavioral Medicine. (2 Credits)

This course provides introduction to the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric/behavioral medicine disorders. This course also provides instruction into the medications used to treat mental illness. This course also provides instruction into the various tools used to screen patients for mental illness as well as provide instruction on assessment for suicidal risk and ideation. The course will prepare students for clinical rotations in behavioral medicine.

PHAS 575. Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2 Credits)

This course addresses all aspects of women’s health including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and post-natal care, as well as disorders and diseases unique to the female reproductive system that are commonly encountered in primary care practice. This is a lecture-based course which prepares students for the laboratory portion in the spring and or summer term.

PHAS 580. Introduction to Clinical Practice. (3 Credits)

Introduction to Clinical Practice provides students opportunity to practice patient care skills through the use of OSCEs. Students will take patient histories, perform physical examinations, document findings, come up with patient care plans, and continue their practice of prescription writing. Students will learn components of patient presentations and practice this skill through the use of OSCEs. This course will also cover various other topics that are needed in preparation for clinical rotations in the second year of the curriculum. Students will also expand documentation understanding in relation to the inpatient and outpatient setting. Students will also begin learning about prevention of medical errors, diabetes, and effective communication skills through the use of joint lecture and activities with pharmacy students. Students will also learn how to interpret EKGs during this course.

PHAS 600. Physician Assistant Seminar IV. (2 Credits)

PA Seminar IV is a culmination of the summative examinations (both written and practical) as well as the portfolio capstone project.

PHAS 610. Family Medicine Clinical Practicum I. (4 Credits)

This clinical rotation is the first part of a total of 8 weeks required in Family Medicine. The course instruction occurs under the supervision of a clinical preceptor who will be either a PA, NP, DO or MD. You may have more than one preceptor during a rotation, but one person should be designated as primary. The rotation addresses the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of family medicine, to include management of acute and chronic medical disorders, and patient education in maintaining optimum health. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned during the didactic phase in order to interact with patients and families, provide patient education, and conduct appropriate evaluation and management.

PHAS 615. Family Medicine Clinical Practicum II. (4 Credits)

This clinical rotation is the second part of a total of 8 weeks required in Family Medicine. The course instruction occurs under the supervision of a clinical preceptor who will be either a PA, NP, DO or MD. You may have more than one preceptor during a rotation, but one person should be designated as primary. The rotation addresses the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of family medicine, to include management of acute and chronic medical disorders, and patient education in maintaining optimum health. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned during the didactic phase as well as Family Medicine I in order to interact with patients and families, provide patient education, and conduct appropriate evaluation and management.

PHAS 620. Internal Medicine Clinical Practicum I. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Internal Medicine occurs with the supervision of a clinical preceptor. The rotation addresses the pathophysiology, evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of general internal medicine. Students will have the opportunity to manage acute and chronic care and participate in continual care for adult patients in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

PHAS 625. Internal Medicine Clinical Practicum II. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Internal Medicine II follows Internal Medicine I, although does not necessarily occur immediately after, and occurs with the supervision of a clinical preceptor. The rotation is a continuation of the Internal Medicine I rotation, and will provide the student continued opportunity to develop competency in the pathophysiology, evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of general internal medicine. Students will have the opportunity to manage acute and chronic care for adult patients in either the OP or IP setting.

PHAS 630. Women’s Health Clinical Practicum. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Women’s Health occurs with the supervision of a clinical preceptor. This rotation addresses the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of obstetrics gynecology as well as female specific health concerns. Students will build on knowledge and concepts encountered in the didactic year and continue to develop competency in gynecologic care through the lifespan from adolescence through menopause, pregnancy care from antenatal to postpartum, and basic infertility concepts. The student will also develop further competency in preventive medicine, including screening in both obstetrics and gynecology.

PHAS 635. Pediatric Medicine Clinical Practicum. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Pediatric Medicine occurs with the direct supervision of a clinical preceptor. The rotation addresses the evaluation, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of diseases and conditions that occur in the management of pediatric patients. Students will develop proficiency at performing pediatric history and physical examinations, well child checks, and counseling patients and their families, as well as screening for normal and abnormal developmental milestones.

PHAS 640. Emergency Medicine Clinical Practicum. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Emergency Medicine will occur with direct supervision of a clinical preceptor in the Emergency Department. This clinical rotation addresses the evaluation, triage, differential diagnosis, procedural and medical management of patients who present to hospital-based emergency departments.

PHAS 645. Surgical Medicine Clinical Practicum. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Surgical Medicine occurs with the supervision of a clinical preceptor. The rotation addresses the evaluation, pathophysiology, and surgical management of patients. Students will participate in the care of pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative patients, demonstrating knowledge in the indications, contraindications and complications related to the surgical patient and will assist in surgery.

PHAS 650. Behavioral Medicine Clinical Practicum. (4 Credits)

This required 4-week rotation in Behavioral Medicine occurs with the supervision of a clinical preceptor who will be either a PA, NP, DO, or MD who works with a behavioral medicine/mental health population of patients. The rotation addresses the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and management of diseases and conditions encountered in psychiatry and behavioral medicine. This rotation should improve the student’s interpersonal communication skills and foster competency in the identification and management of mental health diagnoses.

PHAS 655. Elective Clinical Practicum I. (4 Credits)

This 4 week clinical course allows students, in consultation with their academic advisors, to select either an area of medical practice interest, or an area of medical practice in which they deem themselves weak to allow additional clinical practice experience. Elective clinical courses require a case presentation at completion. All logging requirements continue. All experiences occur with supervision of a clinical instructor.

PHAS 660. Elective Clinical Practicum II. (4 Credits)

This 4 week rotation allows students, in consultation with their academic advisors, to select either an area of medical practice interest, or an area of medical practice in which they deem themselves weak to allow additional clinical practice experience. Elective rotations require a case presentation at completion. All logging requirements continue. All experiences occur with supervision of a clinical preceptor.

PHAS 5100. Primary Medicine I. (3 Credits)

Primary Medicine I will focus on the physiology and pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis of disease, and management of the most common disease states in the organ systems of dermatology, ophthalmology, ear, nose throat, hematology/oncology and HIV. The student will apply knowledge and understanding from organ system diseases in this course to other courses in the term to integrate the multiple perspectives on diagnosis and on the prevention of disease.

PHAS 5105. Labs & Diagnostics I. (2 Credits)

In this course, students will learn to appropriately select and interpret lab diagnostic testing utilizing laboratory method concepts and incorporate that data into medical decision making. Understand concepts of sensitivity and specificity; variants of normal; pitfalls in interpreting lab results, and identify specific labs diagnostics used in narrowing the differential diagnosis of patients with dermatologic, EENT, and hematologic/oncologic/coagulopathy disease presentations, and infectious disease diagnostic evaluation in the lab. Basics of radiology will be introduced in this course.

PHAS 5110. Patient Care I. (2 Credits)

This course will introduce the student to patient interviewing techniques, physical exam techniques, and documentation of medical notes. The student will focus on identification of normal physical exam findings, proper exam techniques, and the ability to compare and contrast normal findings to abnormal findings anticipated in a particular disease state. Content will include examination of each organ system covered in Primary Medicine I and skills in eliciting the history and documenting all history and physical exam findings in a SOAP format.

PHAS 5115. Pharmacotherapy I. (2 Credits)

This course will cover the basic principles of pharmacology including: mechanism of action and resistance, therapeutic toxicity, adverse drug reactions of the most common medications used in management of the content topics taught in Primary Medicine I. Students will apply prior knowledge from other coursework to the selection of the most appropriate therapeutic options for a particular patient, whether acute, chronic or preventive and in any clinical setting.

PHAS 5120. Skills for Primary Practice I. (1 Credit)

This course teaches students the basic skills needed for family medicine practice in obtaining informed consent, performing and documenting procedures, and providing appropriate discharge information to the patient. Skills taught will mirror the course content of Primary Medicine I. Students will complete educational modules on BBP and biohazard information, learn and practice obtaining informed consent, basic sterile technique, local anesthesia administration, dermatologic procedures, minor procedure skills in EENT, and epistaxis management. Students will begin principles of wound management/suturing.

PHAS 5125. PA Professional Practice I. (1 Credit)

This course will focus on intellectual, academic and professional honesty and ethical conduct; the history of the PA profession, the healthcare delivery system in the U.S., and the changing role of the PA in the US medical system, as well as intro to evidence-based medicine. Students will be introduced to information about the national and state organizations for PA’s, PA laws, licensure and advocacy for the profession. This content will be repeated in more depth during the End of Rotation (EOR) experiences in the clinical year closer to the time when students will be entering clinical practice. Students will be introduced to statistical analysis of medical literature, how to differentiate between types of studies, and discern study quality. This information will dovetail with Health promotion content, and will be reinforced in Clinical Medicine throughout all four courses. Evidence-based medicine content will continue throughout the professional practice series of courses.

PHAS 5130. Medical Decision Making I. (1 Credit)

This course will integrate content from all coursework throughout this term, and educate the student in the process of making medical decisions from history and physical exam findings, interpreted lab and diagnostic test results, and epidemiologic information provided in the disease entities covered in Primary Medicine I. This course builds on the process of learning to make medical decisions by creating a broad differential based on the chief complaint and narrowing that differential utilizing patient evaluation methods and creating plans of action for pharmacologic treatment or non-pharmacologic management, or referral as required, and then documenting the entire encounter. Students will effectively and consistently communicate through both verbal and written communication to facilitate collaboration and to enhance patient care. Students will draw relevant conclusions from this activity using an evidence-based approach while demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to advancing the practice of medicine through communications and interactions.

PHAS 5135. Molecular Basis of Disease. (2 Credits)

Molecular Basis of Disease provides PA students the foundational material for biochemistry, microbiology, cell biology, immunology and molecular genetics necessary for the assimilation of future content in the rest of the PA program curriculum. Goals are to review foundational concepts in the medical sciences in order to prepare the student for education in clinical medicine. The student will use this information as the foundation for pathophysiologic principles related to the molecular basis of disease.

PHAS 5200. Primary Medicine II. (3 Credits)

Primary Medicine II will focus on the physiology and pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis of disease, and management of the most common disease states in the organ systems of urology, nephrology, endocrinology and neurology. The student will apply knowledge and understanding from organ system diseases in this course to other courses in the term to integrate the multiple perspectives on diagnosis, and on the prevention of disease. Nutrition will be addressed in this course related to disease states such as obesity, diabetes, and patients with renal disease in providing health promotion and disease prevention for the topics in this course.

PHAS 5205. Labs & Diagnostics II. (2 Credits)

This course will follow the content of Primary Medicine II and provide the student with specific focus on patient evaluation using lab diagnostic testing of patients with clinical presentations involving urology, nephrology, neurology, and endocrinology. The student will collect clinical data based on knowledge of various organ systems obtained from other courses, laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and procedures to provide an accurate and comprehensive disease diagnosis.

PHAS 5210. Patient Care II. (1 Credit)

This course is the second in a series of four courses encompassing all aspects of patient care. Students will perform and document a complete neurologic physical examination. The second focus is on the integration of the pathophysiology of Diabetes Mellitus with information on the disease process from Primary Medicine, and linking it to the physical examination of a patient with DM, to include all organ systems examined thus far in the series. Students will learn to identify normal physical exam findings and compare and contrast these to abnormal exam findings anticipated in DM. Students will also learn to elicit historical information for all aspects of a complete history of a preventive visit, or for complete history of a patient with a chronic disorder.

PHAS 5215. Pharmacotherapy II. (2 Credits)

This course will build on the basic principles of pharmacology such as mechanism of action and resistance, therapeutic toxicity, adverse drug reactions, and focus on therapeutics for specific medical topics in Primary Medicine II. Students will apply this understanding to the commonly used medications in those topics which are covered in Primary Medicine II, linking prior knowledge in other coursework with selection of most appropriate therapeutic options, and follow up of efficacy and management of adverse drug reactions.

PHAS 5220. Skills for Primary Practice II. (1 Credit)

This course teaches students the basic skills needed for family medicine practice. The student will continue to learn new skills performed in the disease states covered in Primary Medicine II, including Foley placement, suprapubic drainage of the bladder, and straight catheterization skills. Students will also be introduced to ECG and Radiology interpretation and basic suturing skills. The performance and documentation of the procedures and linking them to Primary Medicine topics help students assimilate information in an intentionally step-wise approach to improve retention.

PHAS 5225. PA Professional Practice II. (1 Credit)

This course will encompass issues related to stereotyping, bias, conflicting health beliefs and values, single perspectives, PA and patient expectations. Diversity and culture will be discussed, and ways to include this information in PA clinical practice will be explored. Cases will be used, and this will be primarily a discussion and reflection focused course.

PHAS 5230. Medical Decision Making II. (2 Credits)

This course will integrate content from all coursework throughout this term, and educate the student in the process of making medical decisions from history and physical exam findings, interpreted lab and diagnostic test results, and epidemiologic information provided in the disease entities covered in Primary Medicine I and building upon the material learned in prior term. This course builds on the process of learning to make medical decisions by creating a broad differential based on the chief complaint and narrowing that differential utilizing patient evaluation methods and creating plans of action for pharmacologic treatment or non-pharmacologic management, or referral as required, and then documenting the entire encounter. Students will effectively and consistently communicate through both verbal and written communication to facilitate collaboration and to enhance patient care. Students will draw relevant conclusions from this activity using an evidence-based approach while demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to advancing the practice of medicine through communications and interactions.

PHAS 5235. Anatomy. (5 Credits)

This course is will provide a solid foundation in functional human anatomy. The course will include lecture followed by a combination of supervised cadaver dissection, study of prosected specimens, and teaching models. This course will prepare students to apply anatomy to specific and advanced concepts in the courses that follow and translate that to the clinical setting. Students will gain an understanding of how to correlate anatomical structures to the knowledge of normal and abnormal physical exam findings necessary to clinical practice.

PHAS 5240. Behavioral Medicine. (2 Credits)

This course introduces the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric/behavioral medicine disorders in preparing the student for a Behavioral Medicine clinical rotation. The course will prepare students for managing common presentations of mental health disorders in primary medicine as well as the general management of patients who present with acute or emergent behavioral medicine concerns. It will also prepare the student to evaluate a patient with a mental health complaint prior to admission. While this course will cover the management of all aged patients generally, the content is specific pertains to adults. Children, geriatric patients, and special populations of patients (vulnerable, pregnant women, comorbid psychiatric concerns) will be covered in those specific Primary Medicine IV course. This course will also address health promotion and disease prevention management of patients who must be on chronic neuropsychiatric medications.

PHAS 5300. Primary Medicine III. (4 Credits)

Primary Medicine III will focus on the physiology and pathophysiology, epidemiology, differential diagnosis of disease, and management of the most common disease states in the organ systems of gastroenterology, orthopedics, rheumatology, infectious disease, pulmonology, and cardiology. The student will apply knowledge and understanding from organ system diseases in this course to other courses in the term to integrate the multiple perspectives on diagnosis, and on the promotion of health and prevention of disease related to cardiovascular risk reduction, smoking cessation strategies for pulmonology, and best practices in patients with chronic GI illnesses.

PHAS 5305. Labs & Diagnostics III. (3 Credits)

This course will remain focused on the appropriate selection and interpretation of lab radiologic diagnostic testing in patient care. This course will follow the content of Primary Medicine III with specific focus on patient evaluation with lab diagnostic testing of patients with pulmonic, cardiologic, gastrointestinal and orthopedic/rheumatologic acute and chronic disorders related to these organ systems.

PHAS 5310. Patient Care III. (2 Credits)

Patient Care III is the third course in this series which will focus on examining the organ systems covered in Primary Medicine III by linking anatomy with the physical exam findings of normal and the recognition of abnormal exam findings. In addition to the physical examination of the cardiac, pulmonary, GI, and orthopedic systems, students will continue to hone skills in eliciting the history from adult patients with continued practice in history-taking and documentation of SOAP notes and HP's in acute, chronic, and preventive disease states.

PHAS 5315. Pharmacotherapy III. (3 Credits)

This course will identify, correlate, and apply pharmacologic concepts in order to select appropriate therapeutic management for specific disease states specific for particular topics covered in Primary Medicine III. Students will apply this content to the commonly used medications in those topics which are covered in Primary Medicine III, linking prior knowledge in previous coursework with selection of most appropriate therapeutic options for a particular disease state.

PHAS 5320. Skills for Primary Practice III. (2 Credits)

This course will focus on procedural skills linked to Primary Medicine III including Orthopedics, pulmonary, cardiac, and GI procedures. Students will continue to improve skills in ECG and Radiology interpretation as well as continued practice in suturing skills. Instruction will include indications for, and performance of ECG’s, obtaining spirometry and peak flow measurements; placement of feeding and G-tubes. Besides performing the skill, students will learn how to document the procedure (and in the case of ECG, Radiology, Spirometry and PF’s, learn to interpret results) and provide discharge information to the patient, including post-procedure education (if warranted).

PHAS 5325. PA Professional Practice III. (1 Credit)

PA Professional Practice III will focus on public health initiatives for the perspective of societal health. The curriculum will cover global health and emerging diseases, emergency preparedness; environmental hazards, safe food and drug programs. For individual patient care and prevention, the student will focus on nutrition, tobacco use, and diet and physical activity in mirroring topics taught in Primary Medicine III, to provide patient education on health promotion and disease prevention guidelines. The course will also cover healthcare systems and EBM 2 continuing information to prepare students to evaluate the medical literature for patient care needs and evolving medicine.

PHAS 5330. Medical Decision Making III. (2 Credits)

This course will integrate content from all coursework throughout this term, and educate the student in the process of making medical decisions from history and physical exam findings, interpreted lab and diagnostic test results, and epidemiologic information provided in the disease entities covered in Primary Medicine II and building upon the material learned in prior term. This course builds on the process of learning to make medical decisions by creating a broad differential based on the chief complaint and narrowing that differential utilizing patient evaluation methods and creating plans of action for pharmacologic treatment or non-pharmacologic management, or referral as required, and then documenting the entire encounter. Students will effectively and consistently communicate through both verbal and written communication to facilitate collaboration and to enhance patient care. Students will draw relevant conclusions from this activity using an evidence-based approach while demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to advancing the practice of medicine through communications and interactions.

PHAS 5400. Primary Medicine IV. (3 Credits)

Primary Medicine IV will focus on the physiology and pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis of disease, and management of the most common disease states specific to women’s health, geriatrics, and pediatrics. Students will receive instruction in preventing STI’s, vaccinations and their ability to prevent disease; anticipatory guidance in pediatrics, fall prevention in geriatrics, as well as ways to help patients develop healthy behaviors in the pediatric adolescent populations; maintain health in the pregnant patient; maintain adequate nutrition in the geriatric population, and identify and prevent abuse and neglect across the lifespan.

PHAS 5405. Labs & Diagnostics IV. (2 Credits)

This course will continue to focus on the appropriate selection and interpretation of laboratory and radiologic diagnostic testing, specifically for evaluating women’s health. This course will focus specifically on patient evaluation with lab and diagnostic testing of gynecologic and obstetric patients and other women’s health issues. Focus will be on identifying the differences in both selection of appropriate lab radiologic testing and variants of normal in the interpretation of testing in these particular patient populations.

PHAS 5410. Patient Care IV. (2 Credits)

Patient Care IV is the final course in this series which will encompass patient care, including eliciting the history and completing a physical exam on pregnant and non-pregnant women, pediatric patients from birth to 18 yr., and geriatric patients (>65 yo). Students will gather and document historical information for both SOAP notes (acute chronic), and HP’s (preventive), with focus on obtaining history from these specific populations. Students will acquire experience in obtaining information from family/caregivers/interpreters and previous patient records in patients unable to provide their own historical information. The physical exam component of the course will have students contrast normal and abnormal findings, and document those findings in these specific patient populations. In linking with the surgery and emergency medicine courses in this term, the student will conclude the series with instruction on documentation of admission orders, in-patient progress notes, discharge summaries, and other documents utilized in ER, OR and in-patient hospital care of patients.

PHAS 5415. Pharmacotherapy IV. (2 Credits)

This course will continue with concepts in mechanism of action and resistance, therapeutic toxicity, adverse drug reactions, will a specific focus on treating pregnant women, geriatric patients, and pediatric patients. Students will apply this knowledge to the commonly used medications, as well as medications to avoid, in the topics covered in Primary Medicine IV: Women’s Health, Geriatrics, and Pediatrics. Students will apply prior course content in interpretation of lab results for these populations, to provide appropriate dosing alteration as necessary. Unique prescribing will be considered in relation to these patient populations.

PHAS 5420. Skills for Primary Practice IV. (1 Credit)

Procedural skills in this course will link to content in the Emergency Medicine and Surgical Medicine courses. Advanced suturing techniques, procedures commonly provided in an ER setting, and those related to an OB-GYN and pediatric practice will be the focus. This course will include performing pelvic exams and male genitalia exams, pediatric exams, geriatric exams. Students will continue more complicated suturing instruction. Students will continue to document procedures and practice providing discharge information to the patient, including post-procedure education.

PHAS 5425. PA Professional Practice IV. (1 Credit)

This course will focus on barriers to healthcare provision in correctional facilities and their impact on public health, violence and maltreatment as it relates to self, children, intimate partners, and elderly, management of work-related injuries and their impact on the public health, falls prevention in the elderly population as a public health initiative, illnesses and conditions requiring rehabilitation and/or long-term care services and available programs, end of life planning, advance directives, a refusal for life-sustaining treatments, physiological changes associated with death and dying as well as patient's physical and spiritual support during this process.

PHAS 5435. Emergency Medicine for Primary Care. (3 Credits)

This course will enable the student to apply knowledge in the clinical topics learned thus far in Primary Medicine but specifically focused on emergent presentations. The student will find that this course focuses on the most common emergent presentations. Emergency room specific topics include the identification of criteria that suggests a life-threatening illness or event; emergent intervention responses; acute management of emergent conditions; determining the need for hospital admission; ICU admission; surgical intervention; or emergent referral form the basis for entry-level competency in practicing in an ER environment.

PHAS 5440. Surgical Medicine. (3 Credits)

This course will cover common surgical presentations to include pre-op evaluation and preparation for surgery, basics of surgical intervention, and post-operative complication recognition and management. The focus will be primarily on adult surgical management, but pediatrics, pregnancy and management of the elderly surgical patient will be covered. The goal of the course is the pre-operative evaluation of the patient and risk assessment prior to the surgery; basic peri-operative management and post-operative care. Introduction to anesthesia, fluid management; and post-operative complications.

PHAS 6000. Family Medicine Clinical Rotation I. (4 Credits)

This Family Medicine clinical rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to evaluation and management of patients with diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of family medicine, to include acute, emergent, and chronic medical disorders, and preventive medicine and patient education in health promotion and disease prevention. Medical care will be provided to patients of all ages including infants, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly.

PHAS 6005. Family Medicine Clinical Rotation II. (4 Credits)

This Family Medicine clinical rotation will provide a continuation of Family Medicine I with application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to evaluation and management of patients with diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of family medicine, to include acute, emergent, and chronic medical disorders, and preventive medicine and patient education in health promotion and disease prevention. Medical care will be provided to patients of all ages including infants, children, adolescents, adults and the elderly.

PHAS 6010. Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation I. (4 Credits)

This Internal Medicine clinical rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to evaluation and management of patients with diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of internal medicine, to include acute, emergent, and chronic medical disorders, and preventive medicine and patient education in health promotion and disease prevention. This rotation may be inpatient or outpatient, or a combination of both. Medical care will be provided to adult and geriatric patients.

PHAS 6015. Internal Medicine Clinical Rotation II. (4 Credits)

This Internal Medicine clinical rotation will provide a continuation of Internal Medicine I with application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to the evaluation and management of patients with diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of internal medicine, to include acute, emergent, and chronic medical disorders, and preventive medicine and patient education in health promotion and disease prevention. This rotation may be inpatient or outpatient, or a combination of both. Medical care will be provided to adult and geriatric patients.

PHAS 6020. Women's Health Clinical Rotation. (4 Credits)

This Women’s Health clinical rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to evaluation and management of patients with diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of women’s health for adolescents, adults and geriatric patients. You will provide management and treatment of acute, chronic, routine, prenatal, and preventative medical issues encountered within a gynecology and obstetrics setting.

PHAS 6025. Pediatric Clinical Rotation. (4 Credits)

This Pediatric clinical rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to the evaluation and management of pediatric patients with diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of pediatrics, to include acute, chronic and preventive medicine encounters with patient education in health promotion and disease prevention. Medical care will be provided to pediatric patients, including infants, children, and adolescents.

PHAS 6030. Behavioral Medicine Clinical Rotation. (4 Credits)

This Behavioral Medicine clinical rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to evaluation and management of patients with mental health diseases and conditions that occur in the practice of psychiatric and behavioral medicine, to include acute, emergent, and chronic disorders, in patient populations across the life span including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This rotation may be inpatient, outpatient, or a combination of both.

PHAS 6035. Surgical Medicine Clinical Rotation. (4 Credits)

This Surgical Medicine clinical rotation is designed to allow the student exposure to a wide variety of surgical problems. Students will participate in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care of patients, from adolescent to adult and elderly, in an office, surgical, and/or hospital setting. This rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative evaluation and management of surgical patients with acute and chronic diseases.

PHAS 6040. Emergency Medicine Clinical Rotation. (4 Credits)

This Emergency Medicine clinical rotation will provide application of knowledge and skills from the didactic year to evaluation and management of patients with diseases and conditions who present to hospital-based emergency departments. You will evaluate, triage, develop differential diagnoses, and procedural and medical management for patients of all ages with urgent and emergent medical or surgical conditions.

PHAS 6045. Elective Clinical Rotation I. (4 Credits)

This elective rotation is designed to provide students hands-on clinical exposure and experiences to build upon basic medical knowledge and competencies. Students may be assigned a specialty or a general area of medical practice to gain reinforcement of clinical acumen. Students will refine skills in performing the history and exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans. Elective rotations require a case presentation at completion. All logging requirements continue.

PHAS 6050. Elective Clinical Rotation II. (4 Credits)

This elective rotation is designed to provide students hands-on clinical exposure and experiences to build upon basic medical knowledge and competencies. Students may be assigned a specialty or a general area of medical practice to gain reinforcement of clinical acumen. Students will refine skills in performing the history and exam, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing treatment plans. Elective rotations require a case presentation at completion. All logging requirements continue.

PHAS 6100. Summative Assessment. (2 Credits)

The Summative Assessment is a culmination of all student assessments designed for the students to demonstrate entry-level competency as a Physician Assistant in all aspects of primary medical care. Assessment will include demonstration of competency in each of the PA Competencies (PACs) required for successful completion of the PA program. The assessment will occur over three days, following a two-day study and review opportunity for students.