Didactic Phase

PASG 60000 Medical Interviewing, Documentation and Counseling

3 Credits

Equip the learner with the fundamentals of patient-centered communication skills, patient education and basic counseling techniques as well as the components of the medical interview. Develop competency in behavioral change counseling strategies such as motivational interviewing. Reinforce these concepts through the introduction to medical documentation.

PASG 60100 Foundations of Medical Sciences: Genetics, Microbiology & Infectious Disease

3 Credits

Introduce topics in Genetics, Microbiology, and Infectious Disease in the context of clinical practice. Review chromosomes, transcription, translation, inheritance patterns, and associated diseases and disorders.   Discuss diagnostic techniques and provide an overview of embryonic development and teratogens.  Explore a selection of genetic diseases, including what is known about the genetics involved, the signs and symptoms of the disease, and prevention and treatment options available. Introduce concepts regarding the role of genetic counseling, the ethical and legal issues related to genetic screening and genetic testing and review basic microbiology concepts, including microbial structure and basic laboratory techniques. Introduce the role of the human body’s typical microflora and the mechanisms by which pathogens (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) cause disease in the human body.

PASG 60200 Foundations of Medical Sciences: Physiology

3 Credits

Describes the normal physiologic function of the cell and organ systems from a clinical perspective. Describes and explains selected disease states in preparation for Clinical Medicine lecture series, Pathophysiology I and Pathophysiology II.

PASG 60300 Diagnostic Imaging

2 Credits

Describe and explain typical radiographic findings versus abnormal findings. Recognize how to determine the most appropriate imaging study to order for screening and diagnosis to manage the patient’s signs and symptoms. Practice verbal and written communication with healthcare professionals in the radiology department based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. Practice verbal communication about the radiological findings with patients.

PASG 60400 Human and Radiographic Anatomy and Lab

6 Credits

Examine the gross anatomical components of the human body through the use of lecture and cadaver dissection to understand the structure and function, and aid in the performance of physical examination and clinical procedures.

PASG 61100 Leadership and Advocacy

1 Credit

Define and describe the attributes of a leader. Explain the roles of Physician Assistant (PA) leaders. Prepare PA learners to take a leadership role in the delivery of patient-centered care. Recognize and appropriately address gaps in medical knowledge and physical and mental limitations in self and others. Learn to advocate for patients through involvement in quality improvement initiatives. Learn to advocate for the PA profession by developing leadership skills and an understanding of the importance of quality improvement in patient safety. Discuss the importance of commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.

PASG 61210 Interprofessional Education I

0 credits

Identify and implement the principles of Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Practice (IPP). Apply the knowledge of one’s own role and those of other professions to appropriately assess and address the health care needs of patients and to promote and advance the health of populations. Define collaboration more effectively and creatively across health care disciplines to optimize health care and improve population outcomes. The first of two courses.

PASG 60500 Physician Assistant Professional Practice

1 credit

Provide learners with the history of the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, social, regulatory, economic, and political aspects of becoming a PA. Discuss the professional organizations that represent PAs. Utilize the knowledge gained to advocate for the PA profession. Engage with other health professionals to advance clinical practice to meet the needs of patients. Recognize and consider ethical responsibilities in patient care. Identify and assess risk of stress and burnout as a healthcare professional.

PASG 60610 Clinical Assessment I

4 credits

Develop patient-centered communication skills through history taking and interviewing. Use medical diagnostic equipment in conjunction with patient-centered history taking and interview to develop skills for performing physical exams. Examine lab partners and/or standardized patients to gain the skills and knowledge to perform thorough history and physical examinations. Prerequisite: PASG 60000 Medical Interviewing, Documentation and Counseling.

PASG 60710 Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostics I

2 credits

Select, utilize and interpret clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic test to evaluate each system’s principal functions. The topics are synchronized with and correlate to topics in Clinical Medicine I, Pathophysiology of Disease I, Clinical Assessment I and Pharmacology and Therapeutics I. The first of a two-part series, where the learner receives instruction in medical laboratory and radiographic studies used in the diagnosis and management of common disorders of the major body systems.

PASG 60810 Clinical Medicine I

6 credits

Integrates epidemiology, risk factors (including genetics, as applicable), pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, history and physical findings, laboratory and diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, possible complications, prognosis, prevention measures, patient education and follow up of disorders encountered in a primary care setting across the lifespan. Applies a system approach delivered through a combination of traditional lecture and Team Based Learning (TBL) sessions. The topics synchronized with and correlative to topics in Pathophysiology of Disease I, Pharmacology & Therapeutics I, Clinical Assessment I and Clinical Laboratory Medicine I. Organ systems covered in Clinical Medicine I include: Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Cardiology, Electrocardiography (ECG), Pulmonary Medicine and Hematology/Oncology (Liquid Malignancies). Prerequisites: PASG 60100 - Foundations of Medical Sciences: Genetics, Microbiology and Infectious Disease; PASG 60200 – Foundations of Medical Sciences: Physiology; PASG 60400 – Human Radiographic Anatomy and Lab.

PASG 60910 Evidenced Based Medicine I: Introduction & Research Methodology

2 credits

Describe the foundational principles and terms related to evidenced-based medicine and practice. Identify typical research design models and methodology. Explain basic statistical principles. Learn methods to appraise the quality of clinical research. Explain how to use evidenced-based medicine to communicate with and inform patients about clinical practice. First in a series of three courses.

PASG 61010 Pharmacology and Therapeutics I

2 credits

Describe and explain the general principles of the effects of drugs on different organ systems and disease processes. Describe and explain the mechanism by which drugs produce their therapeutic and toxic effects, and the factors influencing their absorption, distribution and biological actions. Topics are synchronized with and correlative to topics in Clinical Medicine I, Pathophysiology of Disease I, Clinical Assessment I and Clinical Laboratory Medicine I. The first in a series of two. Prerequisites: PASG 60100 - Foundations in Medical Sciences in Genetics, Microbiology and Infectious Disease & PASG 60200 - Foundations in Medical Sciences in Physiology.

PASG 61220 Interprofessional Education II

0 credits

Expand on identification and implementation of the principles of Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Practice (IPP). Communicate with patients, families, communities, professionals in health and other fields to promote and maintain health and prevention of disease. Develop communication skills to collaborate more effectively and creatively across health care disciplines to optimize health care and improve population outcomes. Builds on IPE I. Prerequisite: PASG 61210 - IPE I.

PASG 61310 Pathophysiology I

2 credits

Apply knowledge from the basic medical sciences to clinical medicine. Expand on the overview of medical physiology and introduce underlying pathological basis for specific disease processes common to primary care. Explore congenital and acquired diseases with an emphasis on providing understanding of pathologic physiology in conjunction with information regarding medical history and laboratory data to solve case based clinical problems during small group discussions. Examine how pathophysiology translates into patient signs, symptoms and laboratory test results. Identify the thought processes leading to development of differential diagnoses. The first of a two-semester series. Synchronized with appropriate and correlative lectures in Clinical Assessment I, Clinical Medicine I, Clinical Laboratory Medicine I and Pharmacology & Therapeutics I. Prerequisite: PASG 60200 -Foundations of Medical Sciences: Physiology.

PASG 60620 Clinical Assessment II

4 credits

Develop proficiency in patient-centered communication skills through history taking and interviewing. Use medical diagnostic equipment in conjunction with patient-centered history taking and interview to develop skills for performing a complete physical examination from head-to-toe. Examine lab partners and standardized patients to gain the skills and knowledge to perform a thorough history and physical examination. Examine peers and standardized patients to advance the skills and knowledge to perform focused history and physical examinations. Prerequisite: PASG 60610 - Clinical Assessment I.

PASG 60720 Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostics II

2 credits

Select, utilize and interpret clinical laboratory, imaging and other diagnostic test to evaluate each system’s principal functions. The topics are synchronized with and correlate to topics in Clinical Medicine II, Pathophysiology of Disease II, Clinical Assessment II and Pharmacology and Therapeutics II. The second of a two-part series, where the learner receives instruction in medical laboratory and radiographic studies used in the diagnosis and management of common disorders of the major body systems. Prerequisite: PASG 60710 – Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostics I.

PASG 60820 Clinical Medicine II

6 credits

Integrates the epidemiology, risk factors (including genetics, as applicable), pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, history and physical findings, laboratory and diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, possible complications, prognosis, prevention measures, patient education, referral, and follow up of disorders encountered in a primary care setting across the lifespan. Applies a system approach delivered through a combination of traditional lecture and Team Based Learning (TBL) sessions. The topics synchronized with and correlative to topics in Pathophysiology of Disease II, Pharmacology & Therapeutics II, Clinical Assessment II and Clinical Laboratory Medicine II. Organ systems covered in Clinical Medicine II include: Gastroenterology, Nephrology/Urology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, Orthopedics, Neurology, and Oncology. Prerequisites: PASG 60610 - Clinical Assessment I, PASG 60710 - Clinical Laboratory & Diagnostic I, PASG 60810 - Clinical Medicine I, PASG 61010 - Pharmacology & Therapeutics I, PASG 61310 - Pathophysiology of Diseases I.

PASG 60920 Evidenced Based Medicine II: Critical Appraisal

2 credits

Apply the principles of Evidenced-Based Medicine and Practice (EBM and EBP) to an answerable clinical question. Analyze and appraise the medical and pharmaceutical literature. The second in a series of three courses. Prerequisites: PASG 60910 - Evidenced-Based Medicine I.

PASG 61020 Pharmacology and Therapeutics II

2 credits

Describe and explain the general principles of the effects of drugs on different organ systems and disease processes. Describe and explain the mechanism by which drugs produce their therapeutic and toxic effects, and the factors influencing their absorption, distribution and biological actions. Topics are synchronized with and correlative to topics in Clinical Medicine II, Pathophysiology of Disease II, Clinical Assessment II and Clinical Laboratory Medicine II. The second in a series of two courses. Prerequisite: PASG 61010 - Pharmacology and Therapeutics I.

PASG 61320 Pathophysiology II

2 credits

Apply knowledge from the basic medical sciences to clinical medicine. Expand on the overview of medical physiology and introduce underlying pathological basis for specific disease processes common to primary care. Explore congenital and acquired diseases with an emphasis on providing understanding of pathologic physiology in conjunction with information regarding medical history and laboratory data to solve case based clinical problems during small group discussions. Examine how pathophysiology translates into patient signs, symptoms and laboratory test results. Identify the thought processes leading to development of differential diagnoses. The second of a two-semester series. Synchronized with appropriate and correlative lectures in Clinical Assessment II, Clinical Medicine II, Clinical Laboratory Medicine II and Pharmacology & Therapeutics II. Prerequisite: PASG 61310 - Pathophysiology I.

PASG 60830 Clinical Medicine III

6 Credits

Integrates the epidemiology, risk factors (including genetics, as applicable), pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, history and physical findings, laboratory and diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, possible complications, prevention measures, prognosis, patient education, referral, and follow-up of emergent and non-emergent disorders encountered across the lifespan in primary care. Apply knowledge obtained in Clinical Medicine I and II to specific populations and clinical situations. It is delivered through a combination of traditional lectures and Team Based Learning (TBL) sessions. Topics covered in Clinical Medicine III: Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Geriatrics, Pediatrics, and Women’s Health. Throughout each module, learners will engage in critical thinking and integration of clinical concepts exercises through TBL. Prerequisites: PASG 60620 - Clinical Assessment II, PASG 60720 - Clinical Laboratory and Diagnostic II, PASG 60820 - Clinical Medicine II, PASG 61020 - Pharmacology & Therapeutics II and PASG 61320 - Pathophysiology of Disease II.

PASG 60930 Evidenced Based Medicine III: Effective Communication in Health Care

2 Credits

Formulate a clinical question and search the medical literature to answer that clinical question. Gain knowledge on how to effectively search various medical databases and identify research in support of the clinical question. Draw upon the principles and concepts acquired in Evidenced-Based Medicine (EBM) I and II to evaluate the strength of evidence that will justify the answer to their clinical question. Learn to write and present the topic in a scholarly format. This is the third in a series of three courses. Prerequisite: PASG 60920 – EBM II.

PASG 61400 Behavioral and Mental Health Care

3 credits

Integrates the epidemiology, risk factors (including genetics, as applicable), pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, history and physical findings, laboratory and diagnostic tests, differential diagnosis, therapeutic management, possible complications, prevention measures, prognosis, patient education and follow-up of emergent and non-emergent disorders encountered across the lifespan in primary care related to Behavioral and Mental Health. Prerequisites: PASG 60820 - Clinical Medicine II, PASG 61020 - Pharmacology & Therapeutics II and PASG 61320 - Pathophysiology of Diseases II.

PASG 61500 Clinical Skills and Procedures

4 Credits

Perform comprehensive population specific and focused physical examinations. Examine peers and standardized patients to advance the skills and knowledge to perform focused history and physical examinations. Introduce learners to essential procedures and skills necessary for primary care practice.  Prerequisites: PASG 60620 – Clinical Assessment II and PASG 60820 – Clinical Medicine II .

PASG 61600 Ethics, Law and Social Justice in Healthcare

1 Credit

Describe and define principles of ethics and laws in healthcare. Apply understanding of principles of healthcare ethics and the laws to cases that illustrate where social determinants of health (i.e. access to justice), ethics and the law intersect. Explore roles and responsibilities as healthcare providers and discover how interdisciplinary collaboration is key for effective advocacy and changes in health policy that address health disparities and social injustice. Prerequisite: PASG 61100 – Leadership and Advocacy.

PASG 61700 Population and Community Health 

2 Credits

Describe how to plan, deliver, and evaluate patient/population-centered care and population health programs to ensure policies are safe, timely, efficient, effective, and equitable. Apply relationship-building values and the principles of team dynamics to perform effectively in different team roles. Evaluate local community health needs and design a process improvement project to address one of those needs. Attain effective leadership skills needed to advocate for patients and quality improvement in patient safety. Prerequisite: PASG 61220 - Inter-Professional Education II.