Gastrointestinal System

Catalog description

This course will cover the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract (hollow muscular organs, liver and pancreas) in normal health and in a variety of gastrointestinal, hepatic, and metabolic disorders. Each week will begin with a clinical presentation (CP) focusing on a practical approach to a common gastrointestinal problem (difficulty swallowing, constipation, diarrhea, jaundice, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal bleeding) and will end with a small group clinical case discussion relating to the topic of the week. Sessions during the week will integrate basic and clinical sciences including anatomy (with cadaveric dissection lab), cell and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, histology, pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Medical Skills sessions throughout the course will integrate bedside evaluation and management of patients with gastrointestinal complaints.