PHA - 533 Professionalism & Practice III

This is the third of a three-part course series designed to introduce and familiarize students with the professional and practice issues of importance to the Physician Assistant (PA) profession.

The course explores the psychosocial aspects of patient care, to help students develop their understanding of the impact that one’s attitudes, biases, and values have on interpersonal relationships, medical practice, and patient communication. Discussions and presentations will cover the basic counseling and patient education skills necessary to help patients and families cope with illness and injury, and to modify their behaviors as needed to adhere to therapeutic management plans and improve outcomes. Discussions include issues of culture, faith, religion and sexuality, and the impact these forces have on attitudes towards health and patient counseling. The course will also tie together concepts from all three terms of this course in preparation for students’ beginning in clinical rotations. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PHA 513 and PHA 523. Credit Hours: (2)