This is an introductory course to topics related to the practice of the Physician Assistant, both medically and professionally. Discussion of interprofessional education, health care management and the legal aspect of healthcare will be presented.

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This course focuses on foundational aspects of the PA profession including the history of the Physician Assistant profession from its inception to present day status including the PA education process, professional responsibilities and organizations (PA/MD relationship, professional organizations), bias, ethics, cultural humility, and an introduction to the healthcare system. This course also introduces a year-long discussion of professionalism, self-care and policies of interest that affect the practicing PA are introduced. Introduction to and exercises in HIPAA and OSHA will also be completed.

Public Health Seminar I is the first in a series of five Public Health courses. The goal of this session is to introduce students to the fundamentals of public health, the essential services of public health, why public health is controversial, biostatistics and epidemiology, prevention, and emergency preparedness. The ARC PA standards that are addressed in this curriculum B1.01 and B1.02, B1.03, B2.15

The dermatology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the dermatologic system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a dermatologic condition.

The eye, ear, nose, throat course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions of these organ systems. This course will also cover allergies & immunology. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving eye, ear, nose and throat conditions.

The endocrinology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions of the endocrine system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving endocrine conditions.

The course utilizes formal lecture and prosected plastinated cadavers to perform thorough study of the human body. Each module includes a review of body system structure and function, an investigation of potential disease manifestations, and an introduction to clinical assessment. Course contents compares normal and abnormal systemic processes used in the evaluation of patient health status to prepare students for professional training in healthcare delivery. This format is supplemented with several lectures specifically designed to correlate the anatomical findings with clinical applications for the medical practicioner.

This course teaches foundational skills and techniques required to gather a complete history and perform a thorough physical examination. Participation in the course requires the integration of the student's knowledge of the structure and function of the human body to be coupled with laboratory sessions emphasizing the proper techniques and diagnostic equipment used for performing a comprehensive physical examination. The comprehensive physical examination skills include; vital signs, head & neck, skin, thorax, abdomen & pelvis, musculoskeletal system and neurologic assessment. Assessment skills will be accomplished through laboratory exercises with mock patients and accompanying small group activities.

This course will provide foundation knowledge in primary care, community health, introduction to opioid misuse, mental health, social determinants of health and special patient populations. The course also introduces evidence based medicine which covers the interpretation and application of various types of clinical articles used to answer a clinical question.

Public Health Seminar II is the second in a series of five Public Health courses. The goal of this session is to work with learners so that they can appreciate the history of Springfield Massachusetts, the public health challenges it has faced and the public health interventions it has introduced, the infectious disease biomedical model, environmental health , emergency preparedness and lastly the impact of the prison industrial system on minority populations and the health care in general. The ARC PA standards that are addressed in this curriculum are B1.01 and B1.02, B1.03, B2.15

The hematology & oncology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a hematologic or oncologic condition.

The psychiatry course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the behavioral health/psychiatry system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a behavioral health condition.

The gastroenterology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the gastroenterology system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a gastrointestinal condition.

This course will provide foundation knowledge in the legal aspects of medicine and how to protect yourself professionally and learning patient’s reaction to stress. Student will also be introduced to health policy, health belief model global health and preventative medicine. Evidence based medicine will also continue into this course for analysis of the literature.

Public Health Seminar III is the third in a series of five Public Health courses. The goal of this session is to work with learners so that they can appreciate how race impacts health care in the United States and understand the social determinants of health. This course will also help students understand how discrimination, racism, and the challenges and discrimination vulnerable populations face, and will help learners become better, more socially conscious, and aware providers. The ARC PA standards that are addressed in this curriculum are B standard equivalent B1.01 and B1.02, B1.03, B2.15

The cardiology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the cardiology system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a cardiac condition.

The pulmonology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the pulmonary system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a pulmonary condition.

This course will provide foundation knowledge in preparing for a career as a physician assistant including employment onboarding. The course will also review the financing of healthcare and provide the continuation of evidence-based medicine.

Public Health Seminar IV is the fourth in a series of five Public Health Seminar courses. In this section we will learn about disabilities and how disabled populations are disenfranchised and the challenges they face in the health care system. Students will learn about the US health care system, how it operates and learn about other types of health care delivery systems. students will also learn about technology and how it impacts evidence based medicine. The ARC PA standards that are addressed in this curriculum are B standard equivalent-B1.01 and B1.02, B1.03, B2.15

The orthopedics & rheumatology course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the orthopedic and rheumatology system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving an orthopedic or rheumatology condition.

The neurology & geriatrics course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the neurologic & geriatric systems. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving an neurologic or geriatric condition.

This course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the women’s health system. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a women’s health condition.

Clinical Medicine II is the second course in a 4 course Clinical Medicine series. Using an organ systems approach, Clinical Medicine II presents the diagnosis and management of the most common clinical conditions, via major medical concepts, seen by primary care providers for specific organ systems. The course builds on learning from Integrated Medical Science, Pharmacology and Clinical Medicine I, while maintaining a curricular thread with Patient Assessment II and Therapeutics II. Areas of study include: Cardiology, gastroenterology, renal and genitourinary. This course is also designed to develop and apply behavioral skills relevant to the practice of medicine.

This course will emphasize professionalism, introduce the leadership structure in medicine, provide resources of lifelong learning. The course will also introduce telemedicine and risk management. The course will also conclude the evidence-based medicine curriculum.

Public Health Seminar V is the fifth in a series of five Public Health Seminar courses. In this section the student will learn about behavioral health and how this impacts public health policy, how diet, tobacco, injury all are major concepts impacting public health policy. Students will learn about population health, patient advocacy, and the childhood adversity scale and how it can be used in health care and public health. The ARC PA standards that are addressed in this curriculum are B standard equivalent-B1.01 and B1.02, B1.03, B2.15

The renal and genitourinary course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the renal and genitourinary systems. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a renal and genitourinary condition.

The emergency medicine, surgery, critical care course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for emergency medicine, surgery and critical care diagnosis. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving a emergency medicine, surgery or critical care topic.

The pediatrics course will include the anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, the clinical diagnoses, history taking and patient assessments techniques, appropriate diagnostic studies and therapeutics interventions for the pediatric patient population. Material for this course will be delivered through traditional lectures, problem based learning, small group cases, hands on application and other group exercises. This course will educate the student to critically think through a case involving pediatric topics.

This course is a continuation of PAS 560. Students develop an approach to the integration and review of pathophysiology for specific diseases and its application in clinical evaluations and therapeutic options for patients. The student evaluates and addresses the clinical therapeutic management of an assigned disease and problem-solve using a patient case-based format. The content areas of this course include diseases of the psychiatry, pulmonology & cardiology systems.

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the psychiatric care of patients. Students will evaluate patients, identify behavioral health problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to evaluate health-related problems encountered in a community-based primary care practice setting. Students will interview and examine patients, synthesize information to identify problems, and formulate and implement a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

This clerkship is designed to provide the physician assistant student with exposure to common illnesses and injuries that necessitate emergency care of adults and children. This clerkship emphasizes the development of the following skills: patient interview, physical examination, formulation of a differential diagnosis, ordering and interpreting of diagnostic studies, diagnosis and management of emergency illness and injury, and performance of related procedures.

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of the surgical patient in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative settings. Students will use rapid and methodical assessment of patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers.

This clerkship is designed to facilitate the student’s ability to participate in the care of patients in the inpatient setting. Students will evaluate patients, identify problems, and use critical thinking to create a therapeutic plan, under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers

This clerkship provides an exposure to care of the child from birth through adolescence. The focus of the learning experience is on the assessment of normal growth and development and on the recognition and management of common childhood illnesses. Emphasis is on counseling of parents regarding immunizations, anticipatory guidance, well child checkups, nutrition, and common medical and psychosocial problems.

This clerkship provides an exposure to the spectrum of problems and issues affecting a woman’s health. The learning experience emphasizes routine well-woman screening and examinations, family planning and birth control, recognition and treatment of sexually transmitted disease, the evaluation of common gynecologic problems, cancer detection, and prenatal care. Exposure and participation in the surgical management of gynecological and obstetrical problems may also be provided.

This rotation will provide clinical experience in a specialty of medicine determined by the student. The purpose of this rotation is to allow students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery. Students will engage in all aspects of patient care from history and physical exam to development and implementation of treatment plans and patient follow-up.

This rotation will provide clinical experience in a specialty of medicine determined by the student. The purpose of this rotation is to allow students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery. Students will engage in all aspects of patient care from history and physical exam to development and implementation of treatment plans and patient follow-up.

This rotation will provide clinical experience in a specialty of medicine determined by the student. The purpose of this rotation is to allow students to explore more completely an area of interest in clinical medicine or surgery. Students will engage in all aspects of patient care from history and physical exam to development and implementation of treatment plans and patient follow-up.

The 4-credit specialty rotation is designed to provide students a hands-on specialty skill to augment traditional medical training, improve marketability and answer the call from stakeholders. This rotation may include career-related or community engagement for 4-weeks duration. The student should be able to relate the knowledge gained through classroom instruction to the area of specialty.

This seminar course will focus on the students interview skills and their ability to integrate an actual medical case into an oral presentation. Students will perform formal Grand Rounds presentations and discuss issues of importance to the profession and health care in general. The students will also initiate a research project on a topic related to the Physician Assistant profession.

This seminar course will focus on the students interview skills and their ability to integrate an actual medical case into an oral presentation. Students will perform formal Grand Rounds presentations and discuss issues of importance to the profession and health care in general. The students will also initiate a research project on a topic related to the Physician Assistant profession.

This seminar course will focus on the students interview skills and their ability to integrate an actual medical case into an oral presentation. Students will perform formal Grand Rounds presentations and discuss issues of importance to the profession and health care in general. The students will also initiate a research project on a topic related to the Physician Assistant profession.

Students synthesize knowledge and skills obtained during the program through successful completion of a research project and board preparation exercises. By displaying competency in both analyzing literature and integrating the most recent and best practices students demonstrate skills necessary for competent PA practice. Evidence of this competence will be displayed in the form of “publication ready” case based article and poster submission. Students also develop individual portfolios