Clinical Observer - Nephrology Consult Service

Catalog description

This course is a 2-week intensive experience, offered during the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters on a schedule set by the Division of Nephrology at UHCMC. Students are expected to be present and observe at all times set forth by the Nephrology attending and fellow, within a 40-hour week. The objective of the course is to provide students with the experience of observing patient care on an inpatient clinical rotation under direct supervision of a PGY-4/5 Nephrology fellow (always available) and attending nephrology physician (available during rounds) on an active Nephrology Consult Service. Students round daily as Clinical Observers with medical students (CWRU and/or rotating students from other schools) and/or UHCMC residents. They will learn the basic clinical skills, including nephrology history-taking, physical examination, diagnostic studies, and therapeutic options through observation. Didactic sessions on rounds cover a wide range of topics (e.g., acute and chronic kidney disease, electrolyte and acid/base disorders, dialysis). Unlike the medical students on the rotation, a Clinical Observer will only observe procedures and will not actively take part in any health care - he/she/they will act strictly as an observer, but also as a physiological consultant to the team by providing basic science input to the clinical cases.