BASIC SCIENCE CURRICULUM

FIRST SEMESTER

MED 501 – Gross Anatomy and Developmental Anatomy

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. (14 credits: 281 hrs. Lecture/lab)

MED 502 – Histology and Cell Biology

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.
(10 credits: 206 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

MED 505 – Intro to Research Skills for Evidence-based Medicine

The student will have an opportunity to develop research skills related to Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM). Students will be introduced to concepts of research analysis and critical thinking. At the end of this course, the student will be able to identify and frame a clinical question based on therapy, diagnosis, prognosis or etiology; develop a focused search strategy to identify articles that best answer the clinical question; find the appropriate medical database; and critically appraise articles for validity. The class will be presented with 2 assignments and a final that require independent utilization of various types of EBM resources. Students will use technological resources that are available online and in the Saba University School of Medicine library. (3 credits: 60 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

SECOND SEMESTER

MED 601 – Biochemistry

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.
(10 credits; 160 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

MED 704 – Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine

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 medical 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.
(4 credits; 64 hrs. Lecture)

MED 703 – Medical Genetics

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.
(8 credits; 80 hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisite: Biochemistry

MED 602 – Human Physiology

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.
(10 credits; 170 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Histology, Anatomy

THIRD SEMESTER

MED 604 – Medical and Legal Ethics

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.
(4 credits; 64 hrs. Lecture)

MED 701 – Microbiology and Immunology

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.
(12 credits; 240 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Biochemistry

MED 702 – Neurosciences

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.
(9 credits; 160 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisites: Anatomy, Histology, Physiology

MED 603 – Medical Psychology

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.
(9 credits; 160 hrs. Lecture)

FOURTH SEMESTER

MED 801 – Pharmacology

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. (12 credits; 180 hrs. Lecture)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses in semesters 1-3

MED 802 – Pathology I

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.
(11 credits; 200 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses in semesters

MED 803 – Physical Diagnosis

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.
(9 credits; 180 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses in semesters 1-3

FIFTH SEMESTER

MED 901 – Introduction to Clinical Medicine

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.
(10 credits;  180 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Physical Diagnosis at SABA University

MED 902 – Clinical Pathology II

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.
(11 credits; 205 hrs. Lecture/Lab)
Prerequisite: Pathology I at SABA University

MED 903 – Integrative Study of the Basic Sciences (USMLE Review)

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.
(160 Hours: 10 credits)

CLINICAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Internal Medicine (12 weeks)

Students build on skills acquired in physical diagnosis to include the completion of a thorough history and physical examination of primarily adult patients. Students will be a part of the clinical management team and given responsibilities for certain aspects of direct patient care under the close supervision of a preceptor. Students will have clerkship experiences in both inpatient and ambulatory care settings. Lectures will include the management of commonly encountered disease processes as well as an introduction to the use of diagnostic procedures. Students will be given direct assignments for research and expected to present them at clinical conferences.

Surgery (12 weeks)

Students will be introduced to disease processes which require various levels of surgical intervention. Initially, students will be taught the policies and procedures of the operating room to include scrubbing and the maintaining of sterile technique. They will have opportunities to do pre-surgical histories and physical examinations. Opportunities will be provided for direct practice of simple procedures such as suturing, debridement and wound care. Students will be able to observe and assist during various procedures in the operating room and participate in the follow-up and treatment of the post surgical patient in the hospital and in ambulatory practice settings.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (6 weeks)

Students will be introduced to the normal course of pregnancy to include pre-natal care, labor, delivery and the postpartum period. Students will be taught the fundamentals of a proper obstetric and gynecologic history and examination. Observation and participation in a number of live births will be provided. Students will also have lectures and direct experience with various disease processes and complications of pregnancy and delivery. Students will learn the fundamentals of family planning and dealing with patients with sexually transmitted diseases.

Pediatrics (6 weeks)

This clinical rotation introduces the student to the challenging medical treatment of infants, children and adolescents. Students will initially learn to take histories and perform physical examinations on well infants and children in inpatient and outpatient clinic settings. The diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses will be emphasized but the student will have an opportunity to learn about the more rare congenital as well as acquired disorders.

Psychiatry (6 weeks)

In a primarily institutional setting, the student will learn about the major psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, affective and anxiety disorders. Special emphasis will be placed on the difference between organic and functional mental illnesses through taking a proper psychiatric history and performing a mental status examination. Students will be instructed in the judicious use of major classes of psychotropic medications.

FOURTH YEAR

Students may select their elective clinical rotations from an approved list provided by the school. The total of elective rotations must be a minimum of 30 weeks.

Highly recommended electives include:

• Cardiology
• Family Medicine9(required)
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• Anesthesiology
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Neurology
• Pathology
• Plastic Surgery
• Radiology
• Urology
• Vascular Surgery