PAFY - Physician Asst - 1st Yr (PAFY)

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 and laboratories 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. Students will complete modules of the Medication-Assisted Treatment Training Program in this course.

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. Students will complete modules of the Medication-Assisted Treatment Training Program in this course.

Introduction to comprehensive principles of medical history taking and hands-on physical examination techniques, systematically organized emphasizing anatomic and physiologic exam proficiencies and proper utilization of medical equipment. Foundations of medical documentation are established. Psychosocial and behavioral elements and the effective relationship between the PA, other health professionals and the patient are explored. Exercises with standardized patients introduce students to real-life medical scenarios.

Building upon Introduction to Clinical Medicine I, this course refines the foundational skills of comprehensive systematic medical history taking and physical exam, cultivating competencies in problem-focused analysis and critical thinking techniques. Clinical case scenarios, team-based learning activities, standardized patient experiences and evolution of advanced documentation proficiencies establish familiarity with signs and symptoms of medical diagnoses, allowing for evidence-based differential diagnoses formulation. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal communication skills, empathy and trust-building in patient care.

This course introduces students 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.

This course introduces students 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.

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.