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.

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.

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.