Didactic Phase Curriculum

This phase begins with classroom and lab experiences in the basic medical sciences and clinical medicine.

Summer Semester

PASP 501 Gross Anatomy Course Catalog and Syllabi Description (6 credits)

This course provides a complete regional study of human structure and function as they relate to clinical topics. The course will include lectures, a human cadaver dissection, examination of imaging studies, and case study presentations. Microanatomy and embryology will be presented when necessary in order to increase the understanding of adult gross anatomy. Basic radiological concepts will be introduced and correlated with the anatomical structures of each body region. Clinical topics will be presented within the lectures and related to the normal structure and function of the body. (B2.02a, B2.09, B2.19c)

Requisites: Program-approved enrollment in the MC Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program

Location: Main Campus

PASP 510 Introduction to Clinical Medicine Course Catalog and Syllabi Description (1 credit)

This first course in a three-course series begins with exposure to laboratory testing and infectious diseases through classroom lecture. The course also introduces students to the concepts of critical thinking through lectures and faculty lead discussions. Small group case studies help facilitate problem solving and an analytical approach to clinical situations. (B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a-f, B2.08a,b,d, B2.12a,b,c, B2.15a-d, B2.19c)

Requisites: Program approved enrollment in the MC Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program

Location: Main Campus

PASP 516 Professional Issues I Course Catalog and Syllabi Description (2 credits)

This first course in a two-course series provides an introduction to the PA profession including but not limited to content related to interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, historical development and current trends, ethical issues related to health care and health policy, epidemiology principals as it relates to the science of public health, social, behavioral and cultural factors in health, cultural diversity, health care delivery systems, health care financing and reimbursement, federal agencies and policies, health care economics, system based practice, health information technology, school life balance, professional organizations, patient centered medical home, interprofessional and shared decision making, and optimal team practice. The content will be disseminated through lecture, independent reading, classroom discussion, audiovisual presentations, and group projects. (B2.04, B2.06a-f, B2.10a,b, B2,14c,d, B2.15a-d, B2,17b,e,f,g, B2.19a-c, B2.20b)

Requisites: Program approved enrollment in the MC Master of Physician Assistant Studies Program

Location: Main Campus

Fall Semester

PASP 502 Physical Exam I Course Catalog and Syllabi Description (4 credits)

This first course in a two-course series provides a foundation for the physical examination and history taking skills that will be utilized during professional practice. The course provides ways to effectively exchange information and collaborate with patients, their families and other health professionals to provide culturally competent care. Students also engage in preclinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings along with an interprofessional education opportunity. The content will be delivered via lectures, small group discussions, patient interviews, audio-visual presentations, patient education sessions, and hands-on labs. (B2.04, B2.06a-f, B2.07a,b,f, B2.08a, B2.09, B2.10c, B2.12a,b, B2.19c)

Requisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 MPAS Program courses (P1).

Location: Main campus

PASP 503 Advanced Physiology I Course Catalog and Syllabus Description (3 credits)

This first course in a two-course online series provides knowledge of the processes and mechanisms of the body’s systems and how these systems interact with each other to maintain homeostasis. (B2.02b, B2.19c)

Requisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 MPAS Program courses (P1).

Locations: Main Campus

PASP 505 Pathophysiology I Course Catalog and Syllabus Description (3 credits)

This first course in a two-course series is designed to provide pathophysiological mechanisms (including genetic/chromosomal and molecular mechanisms) of disease and their clinical manifestations as these concepts apply to the practice of medicine across the life span using a lecture/discussion format. The course starts with an in-depth discussion of basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease and then applies those mechanisms to specific disease states in the various organ systems of the human body. During this part one of the series the neurologic, musculoskeletal, endocrine and hematologic systems are covered. Diseases will be selected for individual study based on their importance in clinical medicine, demonstration of principles of pathophysiology, and their relevance as representatives of a group of diseases. (B2.02c, B2.19c)

Requisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 MPAS Program courses (P1).

Locations: Main Campus

PASP 508 Advanced Pharmacology I Course Catalog and Syllabus Description (3 credits)

This first course in a two-course series provides a broad survey of the general principles of pharmacology including drugs and their application in clinical medicine through classroom lecture, case analysis, debate, independent/library/internet research, problem-solving, practice/drills, group discussions and reading assignments. (B2.02b,c,d, B2.03, B2.04, B2.05, B2.07d-f, B2.08a,b,d,e, B2.10a,b,c, B2.12a,b, B2.14b,c, d, B2.15a,c,d, B2.16a,b,c,d, B2.17c,e,f, B2.18, B2.19c)

Requisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 MPAS Program courses (P1).

Locations: Main Campus

PASP 520 Clinical Medicine I Course Catalog and Syllabus Description (3 credits)

This second course in a three-course series provides exposure to five body systems including but not limited to psych/behavioral medicine, neurology, musculoskeletal, endocrinology, and hematology through classroom lecture and small group case studies. The primary goals of this course are to educate the student to be able to relate etiology; epidemiology; clinical presentation; appropriate differential diagnosis; diagnostic features; emergent, acute, chronic and end-of-life (as appropriate) treatment plans; rehabilitation; prognosis; prevention; screening; and appropriate referral for selected important diseases integral to the practice of primary care medicine. The physician assistant student will familiarize themselves with each of these areas of clinical medicine and prepare for patient management in clinical rotations and in clinical practice. (B2.03, B2.05, B2.07a-f, B2.08a,b,d, B2.11b,f,g, B2.12a-c, B2.15a-d, B2.19c)

Requisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 MPAS Program courses (P1).

Locations: Main Campus

PASP 590 Research Methods I Course Catalog and Syllabus Description (1 Credit)

This first course in a two-course series develops the students’ ability to read scientific literature and use evidence-based medicine to evaluate the findings. Teaching methods include lecture, class discussions and independent research that promote active class participation. The students will do individual activities with faculty advisement. (B2.13a-e, B2.19c)

Requisites: Successful completion of Semester 1 MPAS Program courses (P1).

Locations: Main Campus

Spring Semester:

PASP 504 Physical Exam II Course Catalog and Syllabus Description (4 credits)

This second course in a two-course series provides instruction in primary clinical skills as well as continued development in performing a medical history and physical examination (with emphasis on special patient populations, including pediatrics, obstetrics, and geriatrics.) The course discusses end of life, palliative care, and interprofessional education as well as provides each student with onboarding activities through a local hospital regarding facility policies and procedures that are relevant to PA practice. The course continues to provide ways to effectively exchange information and collaborate with patients, their families and other health professionals to provide culturally competent care. Students also engage in preclinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings along with an interprofessional education opportunity. Content is delivered through a blend of in person and clinical experiences, lectures, patient interviews, and hands on labs. (B2.04, B2.06a, B2.07a-f, B2.08a,b,c,e, B2.09, B2.10c, B2.11a,c, B2.12a, B2.19c)