Clinical Geriatrics

Catalog description

This life-span special population lecture course teaches PA students the clinical medicine, preventative medicine, alterations in physiology, common pathophysiology, and diagnostic testing in the geriatric population. The course builds upon the knowledge attained in previous clinical medicine courses and applies it to the recognition, evaluation, treatment and management, including referral of common clinical conditions and diseases seen in the geriatric population. Appropriate ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatment as related to the disease states presented is included. This course coordinates with the Patient Care III course refining history taking and physical examination skills related to problem-specific encounters. Together, these evidence-based courses encompass initial presentation through follow-up care with a humanistic approach to a patient-centered medical model throughout the life span. Lectures present the most common clinical conditions unique to the geriatric population. In addition, the course incorporates patient education, health promotion and disease prevention, and provides opportunities for the student to develop and refine critical thinking skills in preparation for clinical practice.