A clinically-oriented study of the structures and functions of the gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive related to human health and disease. Relevant biochemistry, histology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical skills are integrated into case discussions and clinical experiences.
Athena Title
Medical GIEndoRepro
Prerequisite
Enrollment in the first year of the doctor of medicine curriculum.
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)
Student learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Apply foundational knowledge of normal human biology to explain the integrated role of the Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Male and Female Reproductive systems in maintaining homeostasis and adapting across the lifespan.
2. Analyze how changes in the structures and functions of the Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Male and Female Reproductive systems lead to disease, and relate these changes to risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
3. Synthesize clinical findings, pathophysiology, and critically appraised literature to develop prioritized differential diagnoses and formulate patient-centered evaluation and management plans for acute and chronic conditions and health maintenance, with a focus on the Gastrointestinal, Endocrine, and Male and Female Reproductive systems.
4. Formulate clinical questions and identify appropriate scientific resources and technologies, applying critical appraisal of research and data for medical decision-making.
5. Perform comprehensive and problem-focused clinical evaluations, including medical history taking, system-based physical examinations, and basic procedures (e.g., ultrasound).
6. Demonstrate patient-centered communication to foster therapeutic relationships and adapt to the values, preferences, and experiences of patients and their families.
7. Utilize self-awareness and external feedback for self-reflection to identify strengths and knowledge gaps to continuously evaluate and improve personal and professional performance.
8. Demonstrate effective teamwork by collaborating with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals, communicating clearly, sharing responsibility, and providing constructive feedback.
9. Exhibit ethical and professional behavior while maintaining a patient-centered approach and applying medical ethics principles to broader health policy and systemic challenges.
10. Analyze the complexities of healthcare systems and the impact of social determinants of health on cost, patient access, quality of care, and health outcomes.
11. Demonstrate professional identity formation by integrating personal values with clinical responsibilities and applying self-care strategies that support well being and patient safety.
12. Analyze the impact of public health principles and social, environmental, and structural determinants of health on individual patient care to identify systemic challenges and propose strategies to reduce healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes.
Topical Outline
• Gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, accessory digestive organs, abdominal cavity, posterior abdominal wall, liver, gallbladder, pelvis, perineum, anterior abdominal wall, inguinal canal, and reproductive organs.
• Histological features of the oral cavity, salivary glands, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, endocrine tissues, male reproductive organs, female reproductive organs, mammary glands, and placenta.
• Normal development of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system, pharyngeal apparatus, face, palate, endocrine organs, pelvis, gonads, genitalia, placenta, fetal membranes, and fetus.
• Physiologic function of the gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
• Maternal-fetal physiology, including placental development and function, fetal development, physiologic changes of pregnancy, maternal and infant nutrition, parturition, postpartum physiology, and lactation.
• Pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of selected gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive disorders.
• Molecular, cellular, biochemical, immunologic, and genetic mechanisms relevant to gastrointestinal, endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, and pregnancy-related disease.
• Select topics related to evidence-based medicine, including systematic reviews, interpretation of treatment evidence, clinical decision-making, and use of reliable resources to answer patient care questions.
• Collection of patient history and performance of select clinical examinations related to the gastro-intestinal, endocrine, and reproductive systems.
• Performance and interpretation of select diagnostic and procedural skills.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Select topics related to professional behavior, clinical ethics, distributive justice, reproductive ethics, teamwork, community and population health, nutrition counseling, health disparities, patient-centered care, and professional identity formation.
