PAS - 541 Clinical Medicine III

The PAS 521, -PAS 531, and -541 course series covers the essential principles of disease diagnosis and management for the major problems seen by PAs in clinical practice. Using an organ systems approach, lectures and case analysis will discuss the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of disease. Lectures on patient assessment and management considerations will include the generation of a differential diagnosis, the role of pharmacotherapeutic and adjuvant therapies, and appropriate patient referral issues. Instruction in important aspects of patient care will include considerations of prevention and long-term and rehabilitative care issues. Case studies will be used to teach problem-solving and clinical decision-making using an evidence-based practice approach. Clinical topics will include: neurologic disease; cardiovascular disease; pulmonary and critical care medicine; gastrointestinal disease; diseases of the hepatobiliary system; renal disease; genito-urinary disorders; hematological disease; oncologic disease; immunological disorders; metabolic disease; endocrine disease; rheumatology and diseases of bone and bone mineral metabolism; musculoskeletal and connective tissue disease; and dermatologic disease. An introduction to molecular medicine and the genetic and molecular mechanisms of health and disease will be discussed as well. Disorders related to specific populations such as the aging patient and women’s health will be discussed and a systematic presentation of behavioral medicine and psychiatry to include the normal psychological development of across the lifespan is provided. Health promotion and disease prevention, diet and nutrition, detection and treatment of substance abuse will also be discussed. Credit Hours: (5)