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| CURRICULUM |
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| BASIC
SCIENCE CURRICULUM |
The SABA
University School of Medicine Basic Science and Clinical Medicine
curriculum parallels the courses and training offered in medical
schools in the United States and abroad. The Basic Science
program is five semesters in length and may be completed in
20 months. The Clinical Medicine program is composed of 72
weeks of clinical rotations at hospitals in the United States
and abroad. The total time required to complete the Medical
Degree programis 40 months of continuous instruction. Students
who elect to take a break during the summer semesters will
be able to complete their M.D. program in approximately 48
months. The first five semesters comprising the Basic Science
program are taught on the island of Saba by qualified M.D.
medical school professors who are dedicated to providing the
highest quality instruction possible. The excellent student-professor
ratio of 6:1 provides ample opportunity for students to interact
with the teaching faculty.
|
| COURSE |
LECT
HRS |
LAB
HRS |
GROUP/
TUTORIALS |
TOTALS |
CR
HRS |
| First
Semester |
| MED |
501 |
Gross
& Devp Anatomy |
80
|
128 |
15 |
281 |
14 |
| MED |
502 |
Histology
& Cell Biology |
116 |
60 |
30 |
206 |
10 |
| MED |
503 |
Intro
to Infomedicine |
30 |
|
30 |
60 |
3 |
| Total |
|
|
|
547 |
27 |
| |
| Second
Semester |
| MED |
601 |
Biochemistry |
135 |
15
|
10 |
160
|
10 |
| MED |
602 |
Physiology |
125 |
30 |
15 |
170 |
10 |
| MED |
603 |
Medical
Psychology |
130 |
|
30 |
160 |
9 |
| MED |
604 |
Medical
& Legal Ethics |
60 |
|
4 |
64 |
4 |
| Total |
|
|
|
554 |
33 |
| |
| Third
Semester |
| MED |
701 |
Microbiology
& Immunology |
170 |
60
|
10 |
240 |
12 |
| MED |
702 |
Neuroscience |
115 |
40 |
5 |
160 |
9 |
| MED |
703 |
Medical
Genetics |
75 |
|
5 |
80 |
5 |
| MED |
704 |
Epidemiology
& Prev Med. |
64 |
|
|
64 |
4 |
| Total |
|
|
|
544 |
30 |
| |
| Fourth
Semester |
| MED |
801 |
Pharmacology |
170
|
|
10
|
180 |
12 |
| MED |
802 |
*Pathology
I |
140 |
60 |
|
200 |
11 |
| MED |
803 |
Physical
Diagnosis |
120 |
60 |
|
180 |
10 |
| Total |
|
|
|
560 |
33 |
| *Grade
will be reported at the end of Clinical Pathology
II |
| |
| Fifth
Semester |
| MED |
901 |
Intro
To Clinical Pathology |
120 |
60 |
|
180 |
10 |
| MED |
902 |
Clinical
Pathology II |
140 |
60 |
5 |
205 |
11 |
| MED |
903 |
Medical
Board Review |
145 |
|
15 |
160 |
10 |
| Total |
|
|
|
545 |
31 |
|
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| BASIC
SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS |
| FIRST
SEMESTER |
MED
501 – Gross
Anatomy and Developmental Anatomy -14 credits
This course integrates gross human anatomy and medical
embryology, allowing students to understand the relationship
of embryologic development to gross structure and the mechanisms
of congenital abnormalities. Through lectures, regional dissections
of cadavers, and evaluation of radiographs (including CT and
MRI) students acquire a basic knowledge of the normal gross
structure, functional and clinical anatomy of organs and systems
of the adult human body, including the brain and spinal cord.
The embryologic development of each organ and system, from gametogenesis
to birth, is discussed along with the gross anatomy. Fertilization
and placentation is also discussed. Clinical correlative sessions
illustrate medically relevant normal and abnormal findings and
common congenital malformations are used to demonstrate mechanisms
of teratogenesis. Computer based tutorial programs and structured
reviews are used to supplement the lectures and labs.
(281 hrs.
Lecture/lab)
MED 502 – Histology and Cell Biology-10 credits
This is
a lecture and laboratory course, which examines the microanatomy
of cells, tissues and organs. Lectures illustrate
the microstructure of major tissues and organs in relation to
their function. Laboratory exercises use the light microscope
to study these components and make use of slides and electron
micrographs for review and discussion. This lab-oriented program
presents the molecular biology and histology of normal cells,
tissues and organ systems at various developmental functional
stages.Medical students shall learn how individual cell functions
interact with one another and how such interactions are accomplished
from the tissue levels to the organ levels. The course introduces
molecular and control systems and the course prepares the student
for future understanding of normal (homostasis) system and pathological
conditions. In addition, the student learns how molecular building
blocks are utilized for growth and differentiation, wound healing
and tissue repair, defense mechanisms and transfer of hereditary
characters.
(206 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
MED 503 –Introduction
to Infomedicine-3 credits
The goal of this course is to orient
the first term medical student to the technological resources
that are available online and in the Saba University School
of Medicine library and through the internet. The student will
have an opportunity to learn basic library research skills through
the utilization of full text journals available through OVID
and Medline resources. At the end of this course, the student
will be presented with a research problem that requires independent
utilization of various types of resources. Students will be
introduced to concepts of research analysis and critical thinking
through Journal Club attendance.
(60 hrs. Lecture/Lab) |
| |
| SECOND
SEMESTER |
MED
601 – Biochemistry-10
credits
The biochemical pathways
of living organisms are studied to include the structure of
biomolecular chemistry and an understanding of energy yielding
processes and the transfer of genetic material. Includes a study
of the chemistry and reactions of constituents of living matter,
including the carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids,
vitamins, coenzymes, and minerals; the chemistry and regulation
of the reactions and processes of whole organisms; endocrinology;
enzymology; nutrition; intermediary metabolism, and biochemical
mechanisms in selected disease states.
(160 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
MED
602 – Human Physiology-10 credits
The principles of
human physiology are first studied then followed by an intensive
overview of human organ system physiology to include neural,
muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal,
and kidney physiological processes. The goals of this program
are to enhance the student’s ability to critically analyze
the cell biology mechanisms governing the functions of each
system and to utilize physiological concepts in problem solving.
(170
hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Histology, Anatomy.
MED
603 – Medical Psychology-9 credits
This is a study of
the basic principles of human behavior including biological,
social, and cultural substrates. Both normal and abnormal behavior
theories will be included in an overview of personality development
with special emphasis on the emotional responses to illness
and stress.Workshops will cover areas such as interviewing techniques,
death education, human sexuality, and psychophysiological disorders
including stress management and biofeedback. Additional lectures
present various classes of psychotropic drugs and their indications.
(160
hrs. Lecture)
MED 60 – Medical and Legal Ethics-4
credits
A comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues
involved in the practice of medicine.Medical ethics will consist
of a series of seminars devoted to discussion of various topics
such as disclosure, confidentiality, informed consent, and death
and dying. Legal cases posing dilemmas that relate to each case
will be presented, along with abstract material to facilitate
conceptual and ethical analysis.
(64 hrs. Lecture) |
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| THIRD
SEMESTER |
MED
701 – Microbiology
and Immunology-12 credits
A
lecture and laboratory course which considers the characteristics
and properties of micro-organisms, their role in the disease
processes and selected aspects of diagnosis and treatment of
infectious disease. Other topics include the basic principles
of bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, immunology
and microbial genetics, including cultural characteristics and
pathogenic properties of medically important species of bacteria,
fungi, and viruses. This is an introductory program that covers
the basic immunologic concepts of the cells and humoral products
of the immune system. Lectures include the molecular biology
and genetics of antigen recognition and immunoglobulin production
plus the characteristics and detection of antigen-antibody reactions.
The approach is to correlate these basic concepts with clinical
manifestations of disease, the immunopathologic mechanisms of
hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, transplantation, tumor immunology,
hematology, reproduction, infectious diseases and immunodefiency.
(240
hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Anatomy, Histology, Physiology,
Biochemistry
MED 702 – Neurosciences-9 credits
This course
will include an interdisciplinary investigation of the physiology
and the gross and microscopic structure of the brain, spinal
cord, and nervous system of humans. Aspects of brain energy
metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis and degradation, and
psychopharmacology are presented. This course integrates anatomical
and physiological material to assist the student in understanding
common neurological disease processes. Laboratory exercises
will provide slides and dissection of the human brain, spinal
cord, and relevant structures. The student will be introduced
to modern methods of neuroimaging, including CT scans and MRI.
(160
hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Anatomy, Histology, Physiology
MED 703 – Medical
Genetics-8 credits
This course provides the student with an
understanding of the principles and concepts
upon which current clinical genetic practice (diagnosis, treatment
and counseling) is based. This course covers the genetics of
human populations and introduces recent and ongoing discoveries
so that their future applications may be understood. It builds
upon the foundation of basic material introduced in cell biology.
(80
hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisite: Biochemistry
MED 704 – Epidemiology & Preventive
Medicine 4 credits
A course addressing the fundamentals and
principles of the distribution of diseases and their causes
in human populations. Students will learn how to conduct epidemiologic
investigation, how to critically review epidemiologic literature
and how to use such information in a clinical environment. To
acquire some basic level of proficiency in epidemilogic principals
and to understand and be able to apply epidemiology in clinical
practice.
(64 hrs. Lecture) |
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| FOURTH
SEMESTER |
MED
801 – Pharmacology-12
credits
The fundamentals
of pharmacokinetics and pharmaceutical preparations including
drug actions and interactions are presented. The student must
be able to understand the mechanism of action of common classes
of medications and be able to evaluate basic pharmacological
data. Included is a survey of the interactions between drugs
and living systems. This course also includes all major classes
of therapeutic medications used in clinical practice in the
treatment of disease processes. The clinical component will
provide students with the necessary background to practice rational
drug therapy.
(180 hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisite: Successful completion
of all courses in semesters 1-3.
MED 802 – Pathology I-11
credits
This first section of a two semester comprehensive curriculum
is an introduction to the responses of cells, tissues and organs
to major disease processes. Also including definitions, etiology,
gross & microscopic lesions, and pathogenesis by means of
lectures and laboratory demonstrations. Emphasis on basic concepts
and principles of disease processes.
(200 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of
all courses in semesters.
MED 803 – Physical Diagnosis-9
credits
This course is designed to prepare the student for the
clerkship phase of medical
school. Small groups of students will work with individual physicians
in learning the fundamentals of obtaining a medical history
and thorough review of systems with adults and children. Lectures
and demonstrations of a routine physical and neurological exam
will be presented. Students will practice these skills in small
groups in a supervised laboratory setting.
(180 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of
all courses in semesters 1-3. |
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| FIFTH
SEMESTER |
MED
901 – Introduction
to Clinical Medicine 10 credits
This
team-taught course helps the student to prepare for hospital
clerkships. Daily lectures by MD level faculty on the pathophysiology
of systemic diseases are correlated with the Pathology II lecture
series. Students learn how to present posters and to do library
research for oral presentations. Patients from the A.M. Edwards
Hospital, University Clinic and the extended care geriatric
facility will provide the student with hands-on experience.
Students carry a small caseload and are expected to be on-call
with the island physician. A detailed log of patients, H & P’s,
and procedures is reviewed for the final oral examination. Closed
circuit television will allow students to monitor and videotape
faculty and other clinical students during demonstrations.
(180
hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Physical Diagnosis at SABA University
MED 902 – Pathology
II-11 credits
This second part of the Pathology curriculum focuses
primarily on systemic pathology
and disease processes. In this course, emphasis is placed on
relating pathophysiological and biochemical abnormalities of
disease processes to clinical signs and symptoms of disease.
Knowledge and the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis
of diseases is gained through the intense examination of clinical
cases, gross material, selected microscopic slides, clinical
laboratory data, X-rays, and treatment protocols.
(205 hrs.
Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Pathology I at SABA University
MED
903 – Integrative Study of the Basic Sciences (USMLE Review)-10
credits
This course utilizes 160 hours of videotaped lectures,
lecture notes and computerized testing from Kaplan Medical to
provide an integrated review of the basic sciences. An emphasis
is placed on understanding of the disease process and clinical
problem solving. Students attend daily videotaped lectures.
A faculty member from the appropriate discipline is present
during each lecture to provide additional information and answer
questions. Early in the course students are given a diagnostic
pretest to help identify problem areas and individualize learning
goals. At the end of the course students are administered a
full length simulated USMLE Step 1 exam to evaluate progress.
Sufficient progress must be documented to pass the course and
complete the Basic Sciences program. |
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| ELECTIVE
COURSES |
Elective
courses are offered during the first five semesters. The objective
of an elective rotation is to provide the student with a structured,
in depth experience in a subject matter that will contribute
to the student's basic science knowledge base and promote scientific
inquiry skills. Electives are as follows: Epidemiology
and Preventative Medicine Research Project -1or 2 credits
This elective allows the student to apply the principles of
epidemiologic investigation to an independent clinical research
project. Special attention is given to projects that will contribute
to the health care needs and statistical data base of the
island
of Saba. The student is expected to prepare a written report
and give an oral presentation. Independent
Research Elective - 2 credits
This elective allows the student to participate in a structured
research project at the Saba University Research Center at the
Cove Bay facility. Students will participate in ongoing research
projects with 1:1 faculty supervision or may propose their own
project. The student is expected to prepare a written report
as well as an oral presentation. |
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| HYPERBARIC
MEDICINE ELECTIVES |
Students
may participate in a variety of courses in the Hyperbaric Medicine
Program for elective credit without full enrollment in the Masters
Degree program. Students completing all five courses are awarded
a Certificate in Hyperbaric Medicine. Click
here for course descriptions. Two credits are given for
each course.
- MDH
513 High and Low Pressure Physics
- MDH
523 Dive Physiologies
- MDH
533 Oxygen Therapeutics
- MDH
543 Hyperbaric Tender Training
- MDH
553 Hyperbaric Driver Training
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| STUDENT
HEALTH CLINIC |
| Students
in the final semester of basic sciences, under the direct supervision
of the government physician and licensed MD level faculty, operate
the Student Health Clinic. The Clinic is open daily from 12:00
noon to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday at the Campus Annex.
This facility is available free, to students and their families
for routine matters. Additional medical care is available through
the A.M. Edwards Hospital on Saba or the St. Maarten Medical
Center. |
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| STUDENT
PARTICIPATION IN MEDICAL CLINICS ON SABA |
| Two other
medical clinics for the island residents of Saba are supervised
by the Medical Director to the Island Government of Saba. These
clinics operate on a daily basis at the A.M. Edwards Medical
Center and in the village of Windwardside. Senior medical students
are assigned on a rotating basis and are present at every clinic
and are responsible for conducting the histories and physical
examinations of all patients admitted to the A.M. Edwards Medical
Center. In addition, senior medical students are expected to
participate in the Government Home Care Service and the Rehabilitation
Clinic. |
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Curriculum
