GMPA - Physician Assistant (GMPA)

Instruction in significant aspects of human anatomy with respect to PA practice. Lecture instruction as well as dissection in cadaver lab are methods used to convey material. Clinical application of anatomic structure and function are emphasized.

An overview of psychiatric concepts and an introductory approach to the evaluation of patients with mental and behavioral problems. Includes the various psychiatric syndromes, in terms of causal factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. The impact that psychological problems have on the total health care of the patient will be emphasized.

Prepares students with tools to address comprehensive sociologic issues related to healthcare needs of diverse populations, respectful accommodation of beliefs related to healthcare, and enhanced communication skills to establish connection and trust. Diversity topics in this course in relation to compassionate healthcare include ethnicity/race, religion/spirituality, social determinants of health (socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care). A standardized patient event of breaking bad news to patients combines topic knowledge, patient communication, and empathy skills. This course will also be a platform to explore the historical development of the Physician Assistant profession, and our role in the healthcare system. Additionally, introductory ethical concerns related to graduate studies will be disseminated, including topics such as intellectual honesty, academic integrity, professional conduct, and essential study skills.

Introduction to analysis of the electrocardiogram. The course will review cardiac electrophysiology and indications for ECG testing. Students will learn how to perform a 12 lead ECG as well as how to analyze an ECG for rate, rhythm, axis, intervals, cardiac hypertrophy and ischemia/infarction.

Building upon the foundation provided in GMPA6111/PAFY4111, this course provides an in-depth study of the pathophysiologic changes which occur in the body in response to disease and injury. The course discusses how pathologic changes noted at both the cellular and organ system levels alter homeostasis. Correlation to the clinical aspect of disease is emphasized.

An in-depth exploration of the physiologic aspects of homeostasis at both the cellular and organ system levels. Topics include the cell, musculoskeletal, cardiac, pulmonary, digestive, renal, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Open to physician assistant majors only.

Covers the basic structure, organization, and function of the central nervous system (CNS). Lectures focus on understanding localization of function within specific structures and pathways of the brain and spinal cord, and typical syndromes associated with vascular accidents, trauma or diseases of the various parts of the CNS.

Develops skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. The pharmacology and therapeutic properties of commonly prescribed medications will be a focus of the pharmacology courses. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, indications, side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, monitoring, and clinical use.

Building on Pharmacology I, develops skills related to the principles of pharmacology as they pertain to therapeutic agents, prescription, and non-prescription medications. Discussion will include the principal mechanisms of action of the major classes of therapeutic agents, understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, indications, side effects, contraindications, drug interactions, monitoring, and clinical use.

Provides first-year Physician Assistant (PA) students with a comprehensive foundation in history-taking, physical examination techniques, clinical documentation, and patient-centered communication, emphasizing the development of systematic assessment skills essential for effective diagnosis and medical decision-making. The course integrates lectures, small-group discussions, laboratory-based skill sessions, standardized patient (SP) encounters, and simulation exercises to enhance students' ability to elicit comprehensive medical histories, perform structured physical examinations across all major organ systems, and apply patient-centered interviewing techniques across the lifespan, including prenatal, infant, pediatric, adolescent, teen, adult, and geriatric populations. Students will develop active listening skills, effective questioning techniques, and nonverbal communication awareness, ensuring empathetic, unbiased interactions with diverse patients while learning to identify and address barriers to communication. Through structured lab-based practice, peer-to-peer assessments, and faculty-guided feedback, students refine their technique proficiency in inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation while becoming proficient in accurate measurement of vital signs, systematic review of systems, and identifying key clinical findings. The course also introduces principles of medical documentation, ensuring students develop the ability to construct clear, concise, and organized patient records using appropriate medical terminology, distinguishing between subjective and objective data while reinforcing the importance of thorough, legally sound documentation in clinical practice. Assessment methods include written exams, practical evaluations, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and structured history and physical (H&P) assignments, all designed to ensure mastery of fundamental clinical competencies. By the end of the course, students will demonstrate proficiency in conducting full and focused patient assessments, synthesizing pertinent clinical information, and effectively communicating findings, laying the groundwork for more advanced clinical reasoning and patient care responsibilities in future coursework and supervised clinical practice.

Building upon the foundational skills developed in Introduction to Clinical Medicine I, this course advances students’ competencies in comprehensive history-taking, physical examination, and clinical reasoning, ensuring a seamless progression toward higher-level patient care and clinical decision-making. Students will refine their ability to perform focused patient assessments, identify key clinical findings, and develop evidence-based differential diagnoses that reflect a deep understanding of pathophysiology and patient presentation patterns. Through a dynamic curriculum incorporating interactive lectures, team-based learning activities, case-based discussions, and standardized patient (SP) encounters, students will enhance their proficiency in integrating medical knowledge with hands-on clinical skills while reinforcing critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making in real-world patient care scenarios. Special emphasis is placed on problem-focused assessments, clinical prioritization, and effective communication strategies to establish rapport, trust, and shared decision-making with patients across diverse populations, including those with complex medical and psychosocial needs. The course also introduces advanced documentation practices, incorporating structured medical decision-making, diagnostic formulation, and clinical reasoning frameworks to improve accuracy, efficiency, and clarity in patient records. Students will gain experience in constructing well-organized medical documentation, formulating concise yet comprehensive differential diagnoses, and effectively communicating findings in both written and verbal formats to facilitate collaboration within the healthcare team. Additional focus is placed on the application of evidence-based medicine, clinical guidelines, and decision-support tools to reinforce best practices in diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. As students progress through increasingly complex patient encounters, they will develop the ability to synthesize multiple clinical data points, recognize subtle disease presentations, and anticipate potential complications, thereby strengthening their ability to eventually formulate appropriate management plans. By fostering adaptability, and ethical decision-making, this course ensures that students develop the communication skills and professional demeanor necessary for high-quality, patient-centered care. Ultimately, students will demonstrate readiness for more complex clinical encounters and a smooth transition to supervised clinical practice, where they will apply their refined skills in diverse medical settings, working alongside interprofessional teams to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate healthcare.

Introduction to laboratory diagnostic testing. The course will review indications for testing, normal results, and common pathologic findings discovered in testing blood, urine, stool, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid and other body fluids. Students will have the opportunity to practice laboratory procedures including phlebotomy, urinalysis and guaiac testing for occult blood.

Introduction to diagnostic imaging. Following an introduction to different imaging modalities and their indications, the course will progress through an organ-system based review of normal radiographic anatomy and pathologic findings.

Develops skills needed for success in research focusing on an introduction to evidence based medicine. Instruction will be provided on how to write a PICO question as well as how to search the medical literature. This course explores the molecular basis of genetics, inheritance patterns, and genetic disorders. Students will analyze family pedigrees, recognize signs of genetic disease, evaluate genetic testing options, and discuss the ethical and legal implications of genetics in clinical practice. Include material related to the historical development of the PA profession and PA professional organizations.

Builds upon Professional Seminar 1 to refine the clinical, ethical, and communication skills of second-year Physician Assistant (PA) students as they prepare for clinical rotations and professional practice. This course builds upon previous competencies by integrating lectures, case-based discussions, standardized patient (SP) simulations, and experiential learning, enabling students to apply medical knowledge to complex patient interactions while reinforcing bias mitigation, stereotype reduction, and ethical decision-making. A key focus is the exploration of diverse healthcare challenges, including LGBTQIA+ healthcare, gender dysphoria, gender-affirming care, sex positivity, sexual history interviewing, and care for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child and elder abuse, ensuring that students develop a holistic, trauma-informed approach to sensitive medical concerns. Additional topics include intellectual and developmental disabilities, aphasia, chronic disease management, end-of-life care, and substance use disorders, all of which require advanced clinical reasoning, patient-centered communication, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Through interactive workshops and simulation-based training, students practice engaging with patients who present challenging personalities, emotional distress, or complex psychosocial needs, strengthening their ability to navigate high-stakes, ethically challenging, or emotionally charged clinical scenarios. A group project on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) encourages students to research, collaborate, and present on key legislation, accessibility standards, and the impact of disability rights on healthcare delivery, further reinforcing the importance of patient advocacy and equitable care. Students will also implement the community service project developed in Professional Seminar 1, applying their leadership, teamwork, and outreach skills to address health disparities and promote health equity in underserved populations. The course concludes with structured preparation for clinical rotations, emphasizing professionalism, ethical integrity, emotional resilience, and confidence in patient care settings, while also focusing on self-awareness, adaptability, and assertiveness in medical environments. By reinforcing critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient advocacy, Professional Seminar 3 ensures that students graduate with the competence, confidence, and ethical foundation necessary for delivering equitable, compassionate, and effective healthcare, ultimately preparing them for the complexities of modern clinical practice and lifelong professional development.

Provides a comprehensive systems-based overview of various disease entities in preparation for clinical rotations. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the etiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, diagnostic and therapeutic approach to diseases processes. The specialties of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology are addressed among others.

Builds on the clinical skills of history-taking, physical exam and development of differential diagnoses that have been gained in Introduction to Clinical Medicine 1 & 2. This semester students transition to higher-level patient care by developing their skills in medical decision making by using their differential diagnoses to guide next clinical steps in patient care including selecting appropriate diagnostic studies and treatments. Students will learn to interpret imaging and laboratory results to then create definitive clinical assessments and medical management plans which include clinical therapeutics, additional diagnostics, recognition of when specialist referrals are necessary, health maintenance recommendations, patient education and follow-up. In addition, the course will incorporate training in common primary care procedural skills throughout the semester.

Provides an overview of research for PAs and introduces fundamental skills required for research in the health professions. Students will further their understanding of how to search the medical literature. By the end of the Research sequence of courses, students will complete a Research project, a Quality Improvement Project or a Case Study. In some cases, students may join an ongoing project. Student projects/cases studies may be started during the Research Methods I course and will continue in Research Methods II and Research Methods III. If applicable, IRB application(s) may be initiated during Research Methods I.

An organ-systems based review course. This course will also address coding and billing, public health systems, quality improvement, risk management, cost-effective care, and HIPAA.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in internal medicine.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in surgery.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in obstetrics and gynecology.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in behavioral and mental health.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in outpatient medicine.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in outpatient medicine.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in family medicine.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in emergency medicine.

Required elective supervised clinical practice experiences.

Required elective supervised clinical practice experiences.

Additional elective supervised clinical practice experience.

Additional elective supervised clinical practice experience.

Additional elective supervised clinical practice experience.

Clinical experience providing an overview of underserved population healthcare. The course explores medical and social issues which foster cultural agility relative to underrepresented communities. Following the completion of required preparatory coursework, students rotate in a medically underserved environment. Course content encourages critical introspection and exploration of contributions students can provide to enhance underserved population health initiatives.

Required supervised clinical practice experience in pediatrics.

This course will continue to develop the fundamental skills required for research in the health professions. Methods of data collection and analysis will be explored.

Introduction to statistical research methods in health science as applied to study of distribution of disease in human population. The course is intended to develop students’ competencies in the application of the statistical techniques used to explore, describe, and analyze information for research or evaluation purposes. Topics include hypotheses testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, linear correlation and regression, nonparametric tests, and power analysis. An introduction to statistical software is included.

The research process will culminate with a full analysis of data collected. Students will draw a conclusion using appropriate qualitative or quantitative analytic techniques. Students will present their research to peers, faculty and/or clinicians through various media, including a presentation poster. This course is a hybrid course requiring online participation and attendance at class sessions.

An ongoing organ-system based review course, also addresses patient safety, prevention of medical errors, quality improvement and risk management.

An overview of the health care industry and policies with information regarding the various topics related to the US health care delivery system. The impact that health care policy and managed care has on the total health of a patient will be discussed. The course is given in the Spring semester of the third professional year so that the student can incorporate clinical skills with an analytic perspective on those issues that drive the current health care system.

The application of human and professional values, judgments and choices to selective ethical dilemmas that arise in practice. Emphasis will be placed upon various traditional and contemporary approaches to normative ethics within decision making models applicable to resolving professional dilemmas in the delivery of health care. Open to physician assistant majors only or permission by department chair. 

An introduction to the basic epidemiologic strategies and thinking. Epidemiologic sophistication fosters a questioning attitude; without it, medical practices may be introduced and accepted even though they lack adequate support from well-controlled studies. Students will be exposed to the variations that characterize acute/infectious and chronic disease epidemiology. Implications for primary care practitioners will be emphasized. 

An ongoing organ-system based review course. The course also prepares students for the transition to practice by covering PA practice statutes, credentialing, contract negotiation and malpractice. The course culminates in summative assessments of clinical knowledge, skills and professionalism.

Independent study provided under the supervision of a faculty member to foster student understanding and experience in alignment with MS – Physician Assistant program goals. Subject matter and meeting hours will be arranged on an individual basis. Departmental permission is required.