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: 300 hrs. Lecture/lab)

MED 502 – Histology and Cell Biology

This is a lecture and laboratory course that 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 (homeostasis) 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: 140 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

MED 506 –Doctor/Patient Relationship I

This course is the first of a four-part curriculum designed to introduce the student to the basic elements of clinical practice. Topics in this semester include communication skills, ethical treatment of patients and professionalism. In addition, students working in small groups with individual physicians will learn the fundamentals of obtaining a complete medical history from the patient’s presenting complaint, history of present illness, social history, family history, and review of systems.

(2 credits: 19 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

 

SECOND SEMESTER

 

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 two 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; 40 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

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; 142 hrs. Lecture/Lab)

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; 156 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisites: Histology, Anatomy

MED 606 – Doctor/Patient Relationship II

During this course, students will begin to learn the essentials of performing a physical examination through a systems-based approached. This course allows students to apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study. Lectures along with small group demonstrations of a basic screening physical will be presented. Systems presented in this semester include skin, cardiac, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal. Students will use physical examination models, as well as, electronic/computerized whole body simulators in the Clinical Skills Center to practice these skills in small groups and to reinforce the principles learning in the other basic science courses.

(1 credit; 11 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses in semester 1

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; 46 hrs. Lecture) Prerequisite: Biochemistry

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 epidemiologic principals and to understand and be able to apply epidemiology in clinical practice.

(4 credits; 39 hrs. Lecture)

 

THIRD SEMESTER

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)

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; 42 hrs. Lecture)

MED 701 – Microbiology and Immunology

A lecture and laboratory course which considers the characteristics and properties of microorganisms, 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; 155 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; 146 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisites: Anatomy, Histology, Physiology

MED 706 – Doctor/Patient Relationship III

Students will begin to learn the essentials of performing a mental status and neurological examination in conjunction with the neuroscience course, in addition to continuing to refine their skills from the previous semesters. At the completion of this course students will have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgments with incomplete or limited information, but that include reflecting on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgments. Students will practice these skills in small groups in the Clinical Skills Center.

(1 credit; 10 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses in semesters 1–2

FOURTH SEMESTER

MED 801 – Pharmacology

This course builds upon the students’ understanding of pharmacology, providing practical experience of medical therapeutics in a case-based format. 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 as it applies to clinical practice.

(12 credits; 140 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 and microscopic lesions, and pathogenesis by means of lectures and laboratory demonstrations. Emphasis on basic concepts and principles of disease processes.

(11 credits; 137 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisite: Successful completion of all courses in semesters 1–3

MED 806 – Doctor/Patient Relationship IV

This course is designed to help prepare the student for the clinical phase of medical school education. Lectures and demonstrations will review and reinforce the communication, professionalism, interviewing, screening physical and neurological examination skills learned in previous semesters of the Doctor Patient Relationship courses. Students will practice these skills in small groups in Clinical Skills Laboratory with individual physicians. At the completion of this course the student will be able to communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and nonspecialist audiences clearly and unambiguously; and the student will have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.

(5 credits; 88 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 M.D.-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; 131 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisite: Physical Diagnosis at Saba University

MED 902 – 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;90 hrs. Lecture/Lab) Prerequisite: Pathology I at Saba University

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

This course utilizes daily lectures, lecture notes and computerized testing 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 online 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.

(240 Hours: 10 credits)

CLINICAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM

Research: Literature Review and Analysis (8 weeks)

The purpose of the Research: Literature Review and Analysis portion of the curriculum is to further develop students’ abilities to evaluate and assimilate scientific evidence and to reinforce the skills required to critically appraise the ever-changing body of medical knowledge. Consistent with the university’s motto—“Education for Life”—these skills are essential to modern practicing physicians who will have to continuously improve their medical knowledge and clinical skills over the course of their career. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and understanding from their Basic Sciences courses to analyze a current and complex medical care question, using evidence from published medical literature. As part of this course, students are required to write a paper that is evaluated by a faculty committee. While working independently, students will interact on a regular basis with a sponsor who will provide oversight throughout the project including: selection of an appropriate topic; identification of relevant literature; formulating conclusions; and the preparation of a final paper. The sponsor will also review the written paper to ensure that it meets university standards prior to approval for submittal to the faculty committee for review 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.

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