General Course Information
Textbooks
The Medical Physiology Course is a 7 credit hour course, which provides an understanding how cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems function together to create one organism. Furthermore, the course lays the basis for understanding diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It can be followed without previous physiological training. However basic knowledge in histology and biochemistry are expected.
Lessons are presented in a cooperative learning format (Team-Based Learning), in combination with interactive lectures.
Laboratories include presentations of clinical cases, practicing
of clinical procedures, and debriefing of problem-solving skills.
We will employ the Biopac amplifier system to determine nerve
conduction velocity and motor recruitment as well as collect lung volumes and
capacities. The human patient simulator METI will be used to apply
basic science knowledge to various patient cases and to practice basic
clinical skills. A sigmoidoscopy will be performed on a simulator.
Burdick EKG machines will be used to record electrocardiographs.
The course follows the policies of Indiana University School of Medicine as outlined in the Student Handbook. Professional conduct is the guiding principle for lessons and laboratories.
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Competent Knowledge Skills:
To acquire a core scientific knowledge about humans as a physiological
entity
To pass the National Board of Medical Examiners Physiology test
Clinical Skills:
To apply basic physiology principles in the appropriate
clinical context
To acquire a list of clinical skills at the introductory level
Non-technical Skills and Professional Behavior:
To incorporate physiology into the personal path of
becoming a competent and caring physician
To be aware of physiological research to improve diagnoses and treatments of
diseases
- Defined by IUSM as Medical Physiology Core Objectives
- Defined by the
American
Physiological Society
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- Competency I: Effective Communication
Oral communication skills
will be evaluated during Team-Based Learning, during Simulated Patient Case Experiences, during Small Group Work, and during Role-play.
In small group discussion, the learner is expected to actively and productively participate, to further the group's performance and learning. During human patient simulations, the learner is expected to listen effectively to case presentations, to use verbal language effectively to come to a preliminary diagnosis, and to be able to convey the rationale for a treatment plan.
Satisfactory level 1 performance will be assessed by observation by faculty and peers. A main criteria will be the learner's willingness to practice and improve according to feedback. Some sessions will be videotaped and self-assessment will be required.
Written communication skills
will be evaluated with the help of 8 laboratory reports.
On each report, lab values need to be documented and questions related to the lab activities need to be answered in a comprehensible and legible way. The worksheets need to be submitted by the end of each laboratory wrap-up session.
Satisfactory level 1 performance will be the completion of the 8 worksheets.
- Competency II: Basic Clinical Skills
The learner will be evaluated on his/her ability to understand and perform the listed procedures at an introductory level during the physiology laboratories.
Cellular Physiology:
Nerve conduction velocity assessment
Osmolality and specific gravity measurements
Neuromuscular Physiology:
Electromyography for muscle strength and fatigue
Cardiovascular Physiology:
ECG interpretation
Heart auscultation
Pulse and blood pressure determination
Gastrointestinal Physiology:
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
Respiratory Physiology:
Oxygen saturation
Blood gases assessment
Peak flow assessment
Spirometry
Respiratory rate and lung sound assessment
Integrative Physiology:
Dietary plans
Endocrinology:
Blood glucose determination
First Aid:
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (chest compression, external defibrillation)Rehydration choices
Endotracheal intubation
Satisfactory level 1 performance will be assessed by observation by faculty and peers. A main criteria will be the learner's willingness to practice and improve according to feedback.
The learner will need to participate in a CPR course, conducted at the end of the semester by the American Heart Association. Course attendance and acquisition of CPR certification is required.
- Competency III: Using Science to Guide Diagnosis, Management, Therapeutics and Prevention
will be evaluated during Team-Based Learning, during Simulated Patient Case Experiences, during Small Group Work, and during Role-play.
The learner is expected to integrate basic physiology with his/her developing clinical understanding as obtained during case work and interaction with clinicians.
To achieve level 1, the learner must pass the course.
- Competency VIII : Problem Solving
will be evaluated by two reflections, a half to 1 page-long, and submitted via Angel.
The learner is expected to submit reflection 1 by the beginning of Spring Break. The reflection should demonstrate the learner's growth of solving clinical problems. It may include an example how the learner applied physiological knowledge and/or clinical skills, as acquired during the course, to a situation experienced outside of coursework. Rural track students should relate the discussion to the rural practice of medicine. This reflection can be used as part of the Angel Portfolio, that is developed during the CHD course.
The learner is expected to submit reflection 2 by the end of the course activities (In 2009: April 24). The reflection should contain productive self-assessment on the strengths and weaknesses of the problem solving abilities of the learner. Future plans and potential solutions to overcome weaknesses need to be proposed.
Satisfactory level 1 performance will be assessed by faculty. A main criteria will be the learner's maturity to assess himself/herself and others, and to be willing to both receive and give information and advice from and to other professionals.
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The following textbooks will be used in the course.
L.S. Costanzo. Physiology. 3rd edition. W.B. Saunders Company.
R.A. Rhoades and D. Bell. Medical Physiology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 3rd edition..
Alternative texts are:
R.M. Berne and M.N. Levy. Physiology. Mosby.
W.F. Boron and F.L. Boulpaep. Medical Physiology. Saunders
L.S. Costanzo. Physiology. Board Review Series. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
A.C. Guyton and J.E. Hall. Textbook of Medical Physiology. W.B. Saunders Company.
C.H. Best and N.B. Taylor. Physiological Basis of Medical
Practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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IRAT: 2% GRAT: 3% |
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Absence from an examination without a justifiable reason will result in a Fail grade for the missed examination. The final exam will be the Comprehensive Physiology Examination provided and graded by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME exam). Students who need to remediate the course must pass the NBME exam with a minimal score of 430 (25th percentile) to satisfy the statewide remediation program.
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To pass the course, Competency I, II, III, and IX have to be passed. The requirements for passing are outlined above.
Honors: This grade demonstrates particularly outstanding performance.
High Pass: This grade represents solid work above average
in all areas of the course.
Pass: This grade is given when all course objectives
are satisfactorily met.
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If you have comments or questions, email Dr.
Waite
at gnindl@iupui.edu