M2 Year

Foundations of Pathologic Processes (FPP) Musculoskeletal/Skin (MSS), is five weeks in length and has two components. The first component, FPP, provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of Pathology while the second component, MSS, will extend your understanding of the musculoskeletal and Integumentary systems by understanding how the biochemical, microbiological, physiological, developmental and anatomical relationships of the musculoskeletal and integumentary systems relate in both the normal and pathologic states.

Students learn about advanced normal cardiovascular function and disease in a clinical context. The regulation and pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia and hypertension, major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, will be presented. Students will learn about the relationship of these risk factors to the development of ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias. As students master the basic knowledge of cardiac muscle anatomy, biology and physiology, they will also gain familiarity with clinical cardiac studies and pharmacologic treatment of common cardiac conditions. 

Renal/Resp employs an integrative approach to familiarize students with the normal and abnormal function of the upper and lower respiratory systems. Interactive discussions will be utilized throughout the unit to demonstrate important clinical concepts and studies key to understanding respiratory disease. Students will learn about the kidneys in a clinical context through a case-based, multi-disciplinary format and make connections between renal development, histology, physiology, pharmacology and disease. The pathology and clinical presentation of renal injury, glomerular disease, cystic disease and neoplasms will be reviewed.

Students will learn about the pathophysiology of red blood cell, white blood cell, platelet, hemostatic, and lymph node disorders. This course will begin with an introductory session on blood and bone marrow histology and review blood cell function. Throughout the course, students will learn about the diagnosis, pathophysiology including genetic and molecular mechanisms, clinical and laboratory presentation, and treatment of the most common hematologic disorders. At the end of the unit, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of nutritional, hypo proliferative and hemolytic anemias; leukocytosis, myeloid neoplasms, acute and chronic lymphoid leukemia's lymphomas and reactive lymphadenopathies; and bleeding and thrombotic disorders. Various interactive and didactic teaching modalities will be used by basic science and clinical faculty.

Gastrointestinal & Nutrition Pathophysiology is a three-week course that covers the diseases of the digestive system (gastrointestinal tract, liver, gall bladder and pancreas) including its anatomy, histology, cell and molecular biology, pathology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. The GI&N unit provides an overview of diseases affecting the human digestive system. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanistic basis of digestive diseases, with a strong underpinning in pathology. The overall goal is to foster development of appropriate skills in differential diagnoses and to gain an appreciation of the diagnostic evaluation of patients.

The Endocrine-Reproduction Unit examines the anatomy, histology, embryology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and pathology of the hypothalamic-hypophysiotropic areas, anterior and posterior pituitary, thyroid, endocrine pancreas, parathyroid, bone, gonads, accessory reproductive organs, and the adrenal glands. This unit explores the development and progression of female and male reproductive systems as well as the lower urinary tract, including prenatal development, gender differentiation, puberty, and the reproductive and post-reproductive years. Clinical cases throughout the unit reinforce learning and expand beyond the basic science principles learned during interactive lectures and virtual microscope sessions and review of M1 material.

The Neuro/Psych unit is designed to provide the students with the knowledge and skills required to understand and evaluate normal function and pathology of the human nervous system. Students will study the anatomy, biology and function of the central and peripheral nervous and psychiatric systems as they explore the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of neurologic diseases. Upon completion of the module, students will achieve a better understanding of the structure and function of the human nervous and psychiatric system, be familiar with common presentations and treatments of major neurologic conditions, and be able to perform a neurological and psychiatric assessment.

Symptoms integrates basic science courses, history and physical findings, knowledge of clinical correlations and understanding of demographic and psychological factors influencing patient presentation and treatment, through a clinical symptom-based process. The unit employs lecture and small group learning methods to encourage students to bring together what they have learned about normal and abnormal gross and cellular structure, biochemistry, physiology, neoplasia and the role of microorganisms in each of the organ-based units. Students then apply this knowledge in patients presenting with a particular symptom.

Foundational Capstone is a one-half-day-per-week course in the fourth semester dedicated to clinical learning activities designed to prepare students for the USMLE Step 1 Exam and clinical clerkships. Topics and teaching modalities will be similar to those included in the supplemental clinical medicine experiences in the second and third semesters. This will also be a time when students can satisfy checklist items not observed during the direct patient care experience. Additionally, simulated patient care encounters with follow-up clinical reasoning and oral presentation exercises will be utilized to ensure each student is prepared for clinical clerkships. Students will be introduced to core duties and roles of health care professionals "and the health care system as a whole" as it relates to M3 clerkships.